President Bola Tinubu has ordered police officers assigned to VIPs across the country to return to core policing duties in communities. He issued the directive during a major security meeting held on Sunday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting brought together 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 State Security Service, Tosin Adeola Ajayi. They reviewed national security challenges and discussed ways to strengthen public safety.
Tinubu explained that Nigeria needs more officers actively policing neighborhoods, especially in rural areas with limited security presence. He noted that several police stations operate with inadequate manpower, leaving residents without adequate protection. By returning officers from VIP details, the government intends to boost visibility and response capacity at the community level.
NSCDC to Take Over VIP Protection Duties
Under the new directive, VIPs who still require escorts must now rely on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The NSCDC will provide trained, armed operatives for personal protection and convoy duties. This shift frees up police officers to focus on crime prevention and law enforcement.
Tinubu emphasized that improving security begins with strengthening frontline capacity. He added that communities need officers who can respond quickly to emergencies and maintain consistent patrols.
FG Approves Recruitment of 30,000 Additional Police Officers
To support the restructuring, the President approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers. The federal government is also partnering with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide. These upgrades aim to produce better-trained officers capable of handling modern security demands.
A Major Step Toward Community Policing
The policy marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s security approach. By redeploying officers to frontline duties and expanding recruitment, the government aims to improve safety, increase police visibility, and enhance trust between communities and law enforcement.
