Daniel Adaji
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, insisting they return to core policing roles to strengthen security nationwide.
The directive, issued during a high-level security meeting held on Sunday at the State House in Abuja, marks a major shift in how security personnel are deployed. The meeting had in attendance the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
According to the State House press release, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons in the country.” The statement added that, “Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.”
The new directive also introduces a change in how VIPs can access personal security. As stated in the release, “VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.”
The presidency explained that the decision became necessary as “many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.”
With security concerns persisting across several regions, the president is said to be intent on bolstering police visibility and effectiveness nationwide. The statement noted that, “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.”
To support the reform, the federal government has already moved to expand the police force. According to the release, “President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers.” It also confirmed ongoing efforts with state governments, adding that, “The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.”
The directive signals one of the administration’s most significant attempts yet to reallocate scarce security resources back to public protection, particularly in underserved communities.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on November 23, 2025.
