NEWS
President Tinubu Orders Mandatory Withdrawal of Police Guards From VIPs, Warns Ministers Against Disobedience
In a decisive move to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja issued an uncompromising directive that police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs), Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs) and even federal ministers must be redeployed without delay, insisting the policy is not negotiable.
Speaking during the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting inside the State House Council Chamber, the President made it clear that no minister or VIP would be exempt except through strict approval.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.
President Tinubu tasked top security authorities to immediately enforce the instruction. He directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure absolute implementation of the withdrawal order.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force was created and trained to serve the Nigerian people, not a privileged few, stressing that the protection of a small circle of VIPs and VVIPs is not the responsibility of the police.
To replace police personnel removed from VIP protection duties, President Tinubu announced a strategic new role for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.
The President promised that police officers would be properly mobilised and redeployed to confront insecurity nationwide. He explained that a complete restructuring process would ensure the policing system better protects communities suffering from violent crimes.
“We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” he stated.
President Tinubu further ordered that any minister requiring police for legitimate assignments must personally seek clearance from the Inspector General of Police. “NSA take this very seriously,” he added.
The President also linked the country’s security challenges to unresolved conflicts involving herders and farmers, urging immediate implementation of livestock and ranching reforms. He called on Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to sensitise governors on enforcing these reforms, and directed Minister Idi Muktar Maiha to commence mobilisation for ranching projects in conflict-prone areas.
According to him, strategic rehabilitation of villages and grazing centres must begin, with emphasis on the constitutional authority of state governments over land matters.
“The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable,” he said.
Tinubu maintained that ranching reforms would reduce violent clashes between herders and farmers, safeguard vulnerable communities, and stimulate economic benefits for the nation.