Tinubu insists on withdrawal of police officers from VIPs, warns ministers, govt officials
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the order to remove police officers from VIP and VVIP security assignments will stand, stressing that the directive is final and must be obeyed without delay.
The President made this clear on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja.
He cautioned ministers and government officials against ignoring the directive, noting that any concerns should be channelled through the Inspector General of Police.
President warns ministers against non-compliance
President Tinubu said police personnel were trained to protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups, and should not be restricted to guarding a few privileged individuals.
He explained that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, would oversee full implementation of the new policy.
He added that the Ministry of Interior, led by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, would coordinate the replacement of withdrawn police officers with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who are also trained and armed for VIP protection.
Police officers to be redeployed to tackle insecurity
President Tinubu stressed that redeploying police officers to frontline duties would strengthen the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
He noted that exceptions would be considered, but only through proper clearance from the police leadership.
The President further urged the NSA to ensure strict adherence, saying the security structure must be reviewed to meet the needs of communities affected by violence.
Tinubu directs stakeholders on ranching reforms
During the meeting, President Tinubu also instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to sensitise governors on ranching reforms aimed at reducing clashes between herders and farmers.
He directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin mobilisation in conflict-prone areas and identify grazing centres suitable for rehabilitation.
The President emphasised that states maintain constitutional control over land, adding that proper ranching systems would help protect rural communities and minimise long-standing conflicts.
