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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the directive emphasises refocusing police manpower on essential law enforcement responsibilities.
The announcement followed a high-level security meeting yesterday in Abuja, attended by top military and security chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
“President Tinubu has mandated that police deployed to VIP protection be redeployed to address core policing duties, especially in underserved communities where law enforcement presence is limited,” the statement read.
The directive also shifts the responsibility for VIP security requests to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will now provide well-armed personnel for such assignments.
Aware of persistent security challenges, President Tinubu has approved recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is partnering with state governments to upgrade police training infrastructure nationwide. These steps aim to boost police visibility and effectiveness in all communities, particularly remote areas struggling with inadequate policing.
This strategic realignment marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to internal security, prioritizing public safety over protection of VIPs.
Earlier, President Tinubu via his official X (formerly twitter) handle @OfficialABAT had said had while giving updates about the meeting vowed, “Those who threaten the peace and security of our nation will face the full weight of the law.”
He has tweeted: “I am currently in an extended security meeting with heads of our defence and intelligence apparatus including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, at the State House. “We are reviewing the latest reports and taking decisive actions to stabilise the affected areas and protect our citizens. I am receiving continuous briefings and have directed our security services to move with speed, precision, and absolute resolve.
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“As President, I am fully committed to the security of all Nigerians. Those who threaten the peace and security of our nation will face the full weight of the law.
“Nigeria will prevail.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu has expressed his gratitude to Nigeria’s security forces for recent successful rescue operations, reaffirming his firm commitment to securing the nation amidst ongoing security challenges.
Addressing Nigerians via his verified X (formerly Twitter) @OfficialABAT , President Tinubu recalled his decision to cancel his planned trip to the G20 summit in South Africa, emphasising the need to personally coordinate critical security efforts at home.
“You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home,” he stated.
Highlighting recent developments, the President announced that all 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been safely rescued, thanks to the dedication and efficiency of security personnel.
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued,” he said.
President Tinubu also expressed satisfaction over the recovery of 51 out of the missing students from a Catholic school in Niger State, signaling progress in addressing these distressing incidents. “I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State have been recovered,” he added.
The President assured Nigerians of his continuous attention to the nationwide security situation, saying he remains in constant contact with security agencies. “I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline,” Tinubu confirmed.
The President issued a powerful assurance of safety to all Nigerians, underscoring his resolve in protecting the citizens. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he declared.
