Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons be withdrawn and redeployed to focus on their core policing responsibilities. The order was issued during a security meeting on Sunday at the Presidential Villa, where the President met with the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Director‑General of the Department of State Services Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
According to a State House press release, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons in the country. Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.” The release added that VIPs who require protection will now request well‑armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The directive noted that many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult. “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the statement said.
President Tinubu also announced measures to boost police presence nationwide, including the approval of the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and collaboration with state governments to upgrade police training facilities across the country.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Information and his counterpart at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and was addressed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who signed the release on November 23, 2025.
The President’s directive is aimed at strengthening overall security amid ongoing challenges, ensuring that police resources are focused on protecting communities rather than providing personal security for individuals.
