Tinubu orders withdrawal of Police officers guarding VIPs

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties to focus on their core policing responsibilities.

The directive came during a security meeting with top service chiefs, including Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

The decision follows a recent surge in abductions and other security threats across the country. Moving forward, VIPs seeking police protection will have to request security from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead.

A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that many areas of Nigeria, particularly remote communities, are under-policed, making it difficult to ensure the safety of citizens.

“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities. Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide,” the statement added.