By Adesakin Adefemi
November 23, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria In a decisive move to address escalating insecurity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs), redirecting them to core law enforcement duties across the country.
The directive, issued Sunday following a high-level security summit, underscores the administration’s focus on enhancing public safety amid rising abductions and banditry.
Under the new policy, VIPs including political leaders and public figures are instructed to seek armed protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allowing the Nigeria Police Force to prioritize deployment in underserved communities, particularly rural areas grappling with violent attacks.
“Many police stations are critically understaffed, impairing our capacity to protect citizens,” the presidency stated, emphasizing a shift toward proactive security.
The president approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and pledged federal-state collaboration to upgrade training facilities, aiming to swell ranks and modernize operations. “Safeguarding every Nigerian is non-negotiable,” Tinubu asserted, linking the move to recent successes, including the rescue of all 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku (Kwara State), and 51 students from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri (Niger State) operations he oversaw after canceling a G20 summit trip.
Attendees at the Abuja meeting included Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), said:
_”This directive reflects President Tinubu’s resolve to prioritize citizens over privileges. We’re not just reallocating resources we’re reclaiming security for all Nigerians. The NSCDC will step in for VIP needs; our police will defend communities. No compromise on safety.”_
The NSCDC is mobilizing for an expanded mandate; states are aligning resources. While no VIP list was disclosed, analysts note potential “adjustments” for officials. “A necessary recalibration, but execution must be swift,” said a security expert. Police unions await logistics; Kwara’s governor praised “citizen-first focus.” Investigations into abductions continue—no proof-of-life or motives revealed.
The presidency vowed sustained efforts, adding counseling for victims. “How do we secure schools?” remains a pressing question. As deployments roll out, Tinubu’s office urged calm, stressing collaboration. The incident underscores Nigeria’s fragile security landscape.
