President Tinubu Orders Redeployment of Police from VIP Protection to Community Policing

President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to protect “Very Important Persons” (VIPs) across Nigeria, instructing that they be redeployed to bolster core policing duties in local communities.

The directive follows a security meeting on Sunday in Abuja, attended by service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.

According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that VIPs in need of personal security should now rely on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for armed protection.

The President noted that many remote communities remain underserved by police, a gap that has hindered effective law enforcement and rapid response, underscoring the need to prioritize community policing over VIP protection.
Tinubu emphasized that increasing police presence across the country is crucial in addressing the current security challenges facing Nigeria.

The President’s spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, added that Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel. He also noted that the Federal Government is working closely with state governments to modernize and upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Sunday’s security meeting in Abuja was attended by key service chiefs, including 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 Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi.