President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, insisting that the overstretched police force must return to its core constitutional responsibilities of protecting citizens and communities.
The directive, issued on Sunday during a high-level security meeting in Abuja, signals a major policy shift aimed at boosting police visibility nationwide amid worsening insecurity.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development, stating that VIPs who still require close protection would henceforth request armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rather than the Nigeria Police Force.
“President Tinubu is determined to ensure that more police officers are available to protect Nigerians. The current security situation demands the full deployment of officers to their primary duties,” Onanuga said.
Many rural and semi-urban communities across Nigeria currently suffer acute manpower shortages, with several stations operating with only a handful of personnel. The Presidency believes the withdrawal of escorts will free up thousands of officers to strengthen community policing.
To further reinforce the system, President Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel, alongside an ongoing collaboration with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
Sunday’s meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
The President’s latest directive comes at a time of rising attacks across several states, including fresh incidents of police ambushes, abductions and community raids by armed groups.
The implementation timeline for the withdrawal of VIP escorts is expected to be announced by the police authorities in the coming days.
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