Tinubu Orders Immediate Enforcement of Police Withdrawal from VIPs

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to withdraw police personnel from Very Important Persons (VIPs), warning that the directive is final and must be implemented without delay.

Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja, the President cautioned ministers and top government officials against flouting the order, stressing that all agencies involved must begin full compliance immediately.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” President Tinubu said, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

To fast-track the enforcement, Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to jointly supervise the redeployment of officers currently attached to VIPs, VVIPs, and government officials.

The President reiterated that the Police Force was primarily established to protect citizens—especially the vulnerable—not a privileged few. He announced that operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) would take over VIP protection duties, under the supervision of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“The Civil Defence Corps is trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he noted.

Tinubu said officers withdrawn from VIP duties would be re-mobilised to strengthen national security operations, including the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He also hinted at an impending review of the national security architecture to bolster protection for communities most affected by violence.

“We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” he said.

The President further directed ministers who require specialised police protection to seek clearance from the Inspector-General of Police before making such requests.

On the deepening farmer–herder crisis, Tinubu assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima, chair of the National Economic Council (NEC), to intensify engagement with governors and stakeholders on the administration’s renewed ranching reforms. He also instructed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin mobilisation in areas most affected by recurring clashes.

Tinubu emphasised the rehabilitation of grazing reserves and the development of ranches in partnership with state governments, describing the initiative as essential to ending long-standing conflicts.

“We must eliminate this area of conflict and make livestock reform economically viable. The opportunity is there; let’s utilise it. Emphasise the constitutional requirement that land belongs to the state,” he stated.

The President maintained that implementing ranching reforms would drastically reduce violent confrontations between farmers and herders, while providing greater protection for rural communities.

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding conflict-prone villages and restoring stability nationwide.

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