Tinubu Directs Withdrawal of Police Officers From VIP Security to Boost Core Policing Duties

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a decisive directive ordering the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country. This new mandate signals a major shift in Nigeria’s security priorities, aiming to strengthen core policing functions and redirect personnel to national security responsibilities.

The announcement was conveyed through a formal statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the President instructed that the Nigeria Police Force should reassign officers currently serving as VIP escorts and security aides. Instead of remaining attached to individuals, these operatives will now return to their central duties of law enforcement, national protection, and community security.

This directive was delivered during a high-level security briefing held in Abuja on Sunday. The meeting brought together top military and intelligence leaders, including the Inspector-General of Police, senior Army commanders, Air Force leadership, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). Discussions at the meeting revolved around rising security demands, strategic repositioning, and enhancing operational efficiency across all security agencies.

President Tinubu emphasized that the growing security challenges across Nigeria require a more focused deployment of officers. By recalling police personnel from VIP protection roles, the administration intends to boost response capacity, strengthen territorial coverage, and improve the overall effectiveness of policing nationwide.

This move also aligns with repeated calls for the restoration of professionalism within the force, ensuring that trained officers prioritize public safety rather than private protection. With this directive, more officers are expected to return to field operations, contribute to crime prevention, and reinforce ongoing national security reforms.

The decision marks one of the boldest efforts by the administration to restructure security deployment patterns and improve the distribution of policing manpower. Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the reallocation of officers impacts everyday security realities and operational readiness in the coming months.