President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons(VIPs)across the country, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties.
The directive was issued during a security meeting the president held on Sunday,November 23,2025,in Abuja with service chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police.
“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.
“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement read.
Onanuga also disclosed that the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and that the Federal Government is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
Those in attendance at Sunday’s meeting included 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 DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
The withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs comes amid long-standing concerns over the overstretching of Nigeria’s police force.
Several reports have highlighted that more than 100,000 police officers are assigned to politicians, businessmen and other VIPs.
Meanwhile, during the emergency security meeting, the president
said the meeting was to review the latest reports and take decisive actions to stabilise the affected areas of insecurity and protect Nigerians.
“I am receiving continuous briefings and have directed our security services to move with speed, precision, and absolute resolve.
“As president, I am fully committed to the security of all Nigerians. Those who threaten the peace and security of our nation will face the full weight of the law.
Nigeria will prevail, “the President posted on his social media handle.
