PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, directing that they be reassigned to strengthen core policing functions amid Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
News Points Nigeria reports that the presidential directive was issued during a high-level security meeting held on Sunday at the State House, Abuja, with the nation’s security chiefs including the police, army, air force, and the Department of State Services (DSS) in attendance.
According to details from the meeting, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will henceforth be responsible for providing armed protection to VIPs who require security escorts, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture.
A key objective of the directive, the Presidency said, is to address the critically low police presence in many parts of the country especially rural and underserved communities where policing gaps have contributed to rising insecurity.
President Tinubu expressed concern over the shortage of officers in police stations nationwide, noting that redirecting personnel from VIP protection to frontline security duties will help restore public safety and strengthen community policing.
“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, boosting police presence in all communities has become urgent and necessary,” the statement read.
To further reinforce manpower, the President approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, a significant expansion of the police force intended to improve operational capability and visibility.
The federal government is also partnering with state governments to upgrade and expand police training facilities across Nigeria, a move expected to enhance the quality and speed of personnel deployment.
The President’s directive represents one of the most sweeping reforms to VIP security management in recent years and signals the administration’s renewed commitment to restoring order and confronting widespread security threats.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
