President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his directive for the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, insisting that they be redeployed to security flashpoints where their presence is urgently needed. He emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to keep vital security manpower tied down to personal protection duties at a time the country is battling terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Speaking shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Tinubu restated that the directive must be implemented without delay. He disclosed that exceptions would only be granted on a case-by-case basis with his personal approval, after consultation with the Inspector General of Police.
The President instructed the Ministry of Interior to work with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure that VIPs who legitimately require protection are not left vulnerable. He explained that such protection must no longer rely solely on police personnel but should be handled by other armed formations where appropriate.
Tinubu also directed the NSA and the DSS to form a committee to review the security deployment structure and ensure full compliance with the new policy. He expressed concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping and terrorism and stressed that every available officer must be reassigned to areas where they can make the greatest impact.
While acknowledging that some Nigerians may face genuine security threats requiring official protection, he noted that the Civil Defence Corps is armed and should be empowered to take over many of the duties currently handled by police orderlies. He further asked the NSA to explore options for arming forest guards as part of broader national security reforms.
On the agricultural front, the President tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Economic Council with identifying grazing reserves that could be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements. He described livestock reform as central to ending the longstanding herder–farmer clashes and transforming grazing corridors into economically productive hubs.
Tinubu emphasized the need for state governments to cooperate, reminding them that land administration falls under their constitutional authority. He urged them to salvage and convert viable lands into livestock villages, stressing that doing so would curb conflict, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities.
The renewed directive forms part of the administration’s wider security overhaul and agricultural modernisation drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at stabilising the country and unlocking new areas of growth.
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