President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to very important persons across the country. The officers are to be redeployed to core policing duties to strengthen security in towns, cities, and rural communities.
The decision was taken during a security meeting held in Abuja, attended by senior security chiefs, including the heads of the army, air force, police, and the Department of State Services. The move is aimed at allowing police officers to focus fully on protecting citizens rather than serving private protection roles.
Under the new arrangement, VIPs who require armed protection will now have to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. This changes the long-standing practice of using police officers as personal escorts for politicians and wealthy individuals.
The federal government has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers to improve manpower and reduce pressure on existing personnel. In addition, the government is working with state authorities to upgrade training schools and facilities to better prepare officers for their duties.
The directive forms part of the current administration’s effort to address rising security challenges and ensure that police officers are more visible, active, and effective in protecting communities across the country.