No Reversal on Withdrawal of Police from VIPs – Tinubu Insists

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive to withdraw police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs), senior government officials, and ministers, warning that non-compliance will not be allowed.

Addressing the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja, the President instructed all ministers to immediately release the police personnel assigned to them.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he stated.

Tinubu mandated the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure full implementation of the order.

He emphasized that police officers are trained to protect the general public, especially vulnerable communities, and should not serve as personal security for privileged individuals. VIP protection duties will now be handled by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he said, adding that redeployed police officers will be reassigned to bolster broader national security operations.

Tinubu announced that the entire policing framework will be reviewed to enhance responses to kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism nationwide. Exceptions will only be granted for special assignments approved by the Inspector General of Police.

The President also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to update state governors on ongoing ranching reforms during National Economic Council meetings. He instructed the Minister of Livestock Development to commence efforts to rehabilitate grazing reserves and reduce herder-farmer conflicts.

“We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable. The land belongs to the states, and that constitutional requirement must be emphasised,” he concluded.