BREAKING: Tinubu orders withdrawal of Police from VIP escort duty, redirects officers to community service

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide, ordering that they return to core policing duties in communities.

The directive was issued during a security meeting held on Sunday in Abuja, attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

Under the new arrangement, VIPs who still require armed protection will now have to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The presidency explained that many police stations—especially those in remote areas—are operating with very few officers, making it difficult to effectively protect residents. President Tinubu is said to be focused on increasing police presence in communities, particularly in light of the current security challenges across the country.

To strengthen manpower, the president has already approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, while the federal government is working with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

The announcement was made through a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.