As part of sweeping security reforms, President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of police personnel serving as escorts to ministers and senior officials, saying they are needed for more crucial national security duties.
The directive was issued on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Tinubu said he would rather have police officers deployed for essential policing roles across the country than assigned as VIP escorts, stressing that the nation’s security challenges require maximum manpower.
“I would rather offer police officers from the VIP Protection or Very Very Important Persons Unit to perform real policing duties,” the President stated. “I honestly believe in what I have said and I call on the Inspector-General of Police, and I hope the Minister for Police Affairs is here, to take note.”
Tinubu instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen intelligence coordination and immediately review the existing security arrangement. He added that ministers and officials requiring special protection should channel requests through the Inspector-General of Police for proper evaluation.
“The first challenge is here and there, kidnapping and terrorism. We need all the forces that we can deploy,” he said. “I know some of our people are exposed, and we must make exceptional provisions for them. The Civil Defence officers are equally armed, and I want the NSA to take it very seriously, even to the point of arming our forest guards”.
Turning to the recurring farmer–herder conflict, Tinubu directed the Vice President and the National Economic Council (NEC) to fast-track the livestock reform initiative by identifying villages or grazing reserves that can be rebuilt into ranches.
“Especially on livestock reform, I think the Vice President should get NEC to identify which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches”, he said. “We must eliminate the possibility of conflict and turn livestock reform into an economically viable development”.
He emphasized that the reforms must follow constitutional provisions that vest land ownership in the states, noting that viable lands should be converted into livestock settlements or other productive ventures.
“Tinubu emphasized that the success of the reforms will depend on coordinated action among federal and state authorities, urging all stakeholders to prioritize security and long-term stability. He said the administration remains committed to transforming high-risk areas into centres of economic opportunity and lasting peace”.
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