Tinubu Orders Police Redirection Amid Security Crisis
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a decisive directive ordering the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria. This significant policy shift, announced on Sunday following a closed-door meeting with security chiefs, aims to redirect police personnel to core security duties as the nation grapples with escalating violence.
The presidential order comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces renewed security threats from multiple fronts. In recent weeks, Boko Haram fighters have launched fatal attacks against military convoys and civilians in Borno state, while armed bandits have raided communities across Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Bauchi states.
Security Reality Behind the Decision
The urgency of Tinubu's directive is underscored by recent tragic events that have highlighted the strain on Nigeria's security apparatus. Five police officers were killed in a bandit ambush in Bauchi, emphasizing the dangerous conditions security personnel face daily.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency emphasized that Nigeria must "restructure policing priorities" to serve the larger goal of protecting ordinary citizens rather than privileged individuals.
According to the new arrangement, only the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will now be responsible for providing armed escorts to individuals who require private protection, effectively freeing up police officers for more critical security operations.
Shehu Sani's Skeptical Response
Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to the federal government's directive with cautious skepticism. While acknowledging the policy as theoretically sound, he predicted it would likely join the list of unimplemented government announcements.
In a post on his official X handle, the outspoken former senator wrote: "Withdrawal of Police from VIPs is a good idea and good policy statement in view of the nation's urgent security needs, but it will only begin and end up as a statement."
Sani's skepticism stems from observing similar pronouncements by successive governments that ultimately failed to materialize into concrete action. His warning highlights the implementation gap that has often characterized Nigerian governance.
Recent Security Incidents Driving the Policy
The presidential directive comes amid several high-profile security incidents that have heightened public anxiety:
- Bandit attacks on communities in Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and Bauchi states
- Boko Haram attacks on military convoys and civilians in Borno
- Abduction of worshippers from a church in Eruku, Kwara state
- Kidnapping of students from a Catholic school in Niger state
President Tinubu has praised security forces for recent successes, including the rescue of 38 abducted worshippers from Kwara and the escape of 51 pupils from Niger state. However, these positive developments have done little to quell growing public demands for comprehensive security reforms.
The withdrawal of police from VIP protection represents one of the most significant security policy shifts under the Tinubu administration. While theoretically sound, its practical implementation faces the test of overcoming entrenched interests and systemic resistance that have undermined similar initiatives in the past.
