President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed that the directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs, and ministers remains non-negotiable, warning that all ministers must ensure immediate compliance.
NRTC earlier reported that President Tinubu had issued a directive ordering the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIPs.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in the State House Council Chamber, Abuja, the President said only the Inspector General of Police (IGP) may grant exemptions — and only with his approval
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he cautioned.
Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to follow up on full implementation of the directive.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force was established to protect citizens, especially the most vulnerable, and not to serve as personal security for a select class of VIPs or officials.
ALSO READ
He announced that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will coordinate the deployment of operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as replacements for withdrawn police personnel.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he noted.
The President said the measure is part of a broader restructuring aimed at optimising the police for national security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He added that exceptions may be made for individuals genuinely at risk but stressed that police officers must be freed up for core policing duties
“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised,” he said.
President Tinubu instructed ministers to liaise with the IGP when special assignments require police protection, adding: “NSA, take this very seriously.”
In a separate directive, the President tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), to engage governors and key stakeholders on accelerating reforms around ranching.
He asked the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin mobilising communities — with particular focus on conflict-prone areas — to rehabilitate grazing locations suitable for ranching.
“The opportunity is there; let’s utilise it,” Tinubu said, stressing that the constitution vests land ownership in state governments. He added that ranching reforms will reduce clashes between herders and farmers and protect vulnerable communities.
He said villages affected by recurring conflicts must be prioritised in the implementation phase.
The State House press release was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on December 10, 2025.
