President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers attached to ministers and other VIPs, declaring there will be no reversal of the policy.
Tinubu first issued the order on November 23 during a high-level security meeting with the inspector-general of police (IGP), military chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS). He said the move is aimed at boosting police presence in communities, particularly remote areas where stations are understaffed and residents face growing security threats.
Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Tinubu warned against non-compliance and instructed Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; Ibrahim Gaidam, minister of police affairs; and Kayode Egbetokun, the IGP, to drive full implementation.
The president emphasised that police officers are trained to protect citizens—especially the vulnerable—not to serve as personal guards for privileged officeholders.
Tinubu directed Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, to immediately arrange for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to take over VIP protection duties.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said.
“The civil defence corps is trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too.”
He added that with the country battling kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, all security personnel must be properly deployed to strengthen national safety.
