President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that his directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIPs, VVIPs and federal ministers remains final and non-negotiable. The President issued the warning on Wednesday during the opening session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja, stressing that all ministries must comply without delay.
Addressing cabinet members, President Tinubu cautioned that any minister or official who encounters challenges arising from the policy must seek clearance only through the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He emphasised that the Inspector General should be the first point of contact, while any exception to the directive would require presidential approval.
To ensure strict implementation, President Tinubu mandated the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately begin enforcement and close monitoring of the new order.
The president explained that the Nigerian Police Force exists primarily to protect citizens and secure vulnerable communities, not to serve as personal security attachments for select individuals or office holders. He noted that the current arrangement undermines national security objectives, particularly as the country confronts escalating threats such as kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
To fill the gap that will be created by the redeployment, President Tinubu disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been directed to facilitate the replacement of police personnel with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). According to him, NSCDC officers are trained and armed for VIP protection duties and are better suited for the role.
“We need to mobilise every available police officer for core security operations. The entire security structure will be reviewed to ensure that our limited resources are channelled toward protecting vulnerable citizens and communities,” the President stated.
He added that although a few officials may require special security arrangements due to the nature of their assignments, such exceptions would be minimal and must follow due process. “Meet the Inspector General of Police and get clearance for any special deployment,” he told ministers, while directing the NSA to ensure full compliance across government.
President Tinubu also used the FEC meeting to push for accelerated implementation of livestock-related reforms aimed at reducing clashes between herders and farmers. He instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), to intensify engagement with governors and other key stakeholders on the national ranching initiative.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, was further directed to begin mobilising affected communities and rehabilitating grazing areas suitable for modern ranching. The President stressed that adopting ranching solutions would help eliminate long-standing conflicts and protect rural dwellers who are often the most affected.
“The opportunity is there; let us utilise it. Emphasise the constitutional reality that land belongs to the states,” he said, noting that stabilising conflict-prone villages remains a priority for his administration.
President Tinubu maintained that the combined reforms, redeploying police officers to core duties and implementing ranching solutions, are essential steps toward restoring security and strengthening governance across the country.
