Tinubu Insists on Full Withdrawal of Police From VIP Escorts, Orders Strict Enforcement
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his directive ordering the withdrawal and redeployment of police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs, and ministers remains firm and non-negotiable. The President issued the warning on Wednesday at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House Council Chamber, Abuja.
Addressing ministers and senior government officials, President Tinubu instructed all appointees to ensure immediate compliance with the policy, stressing that only the Inspector General of Police (IGP) may grant exceptions—subject to presidential approval.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the President cautioned.
NSA, Police Affairs Minister, IGP Ordered to Enforce Policy
President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure full implementation of the order.
According to the President, the primary duty of the police is to protect the general population—especially the most vulnerable—not to serve as personal escorts for a select group of privileged individuals.
Civil Defence Corps to Replace Police in VIP Protection
To fill the gap created by the withdrawal of police officers, President Tinubu announced that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will oversee the deployment of officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to handle VIP protection duties.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he noted.
Refocusing Police on National Security Challenges
President Tinubu emphasized that the withdrawal will free up police manpower needed to tackle critical national security threats including kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
“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,” he stated.
President Pushes Ranching Reforms to End Herders-Farmers Conflict
Beyond security reforms, the President directed the Vice President and NEC Chairman, Kashim Shettima, to intensify engagement with governors on the ongoing ranching reforms.
He also instructed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin mobilizing communities—especially those prone to conflict—for the establishment of ranching sites.
“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,” Tinubu said, reiterating that land ownership remains a constitutional responsibility of state governments.
A Push Toward Stability
President Tinubu stressed that ranching reforms are critical to ending clashes between herders and farmers, restoring peace in affected communities, and protecting vulnerable citizens.
The briefing ended with a renewed call for strict compliance from all ministries, agencies, and stakeholders.