Tinubu orders withdrawal of police Officers from VIP protection

Story by Okafor Vivian 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of police personnel assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs), ordering that the officers be redeployed to core policing duties across the country.

The directive was issued during a high-level security meeting at the State House, attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the move aims to strengthen police presence in communities and enhance national security.

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“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for VIPs in the country. Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core duties,” the statement read.

The President further directed that VIPs requiring armed escorts should henceforth seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Onanuga noted that many remote communities suffer from inadequate police manpower, making it difficult to ensure citizens’ safety. The withdrawal order, he said, is part of broader efforts to improve security nationwide.

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To support this shift, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, alongside ongoing collaboration with state governments to upgrade police training facilities.

The directive came amid rising concerns over widespread abductions and insecurity across the country.

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