In a significant security sector reform, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police officers currently assigned to protect Very Important Persons across Nigeria.
Security Meeting Directive
The presidential directive was issued during a crucial security meeting held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Abuja. The high-level gathering brought together the nation's top security chiefs, including 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.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in an official statement, emphasizing that the withdrawn police officers would be redeployed to concentrate on their core law enforcement duties.
New Security Arrangements
Under the new security framework, VIPs requiring personal protection will now need to request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This strategic shift aims to address the critical shortage of police officers in many parts of the country, particularly in remote areas where police stations operate with minimal staff.
The presidential statement highlighted that many communities across Nigeria currently have insufficient police presence, making the task of protecting and defending citizens increasingly challenging amid the nation's security concerns.
Boosting National Security
President Tinubu's decision forms part of a broader strategy to enhance police visibility and effectiveness in all Nigerian communities. The government has already taken concrete steps to address personnel shortages by approving the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers.
Furthermore, the federal government is collaborating with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide, ensuring that new recruits receive adequate preparation for their law enforcement responsibilities.
This comprehensive approach to security sector reform represents one of the most significant changes to VIP protection protocols in recent years, signaling the administration's commitment to optimizing the deployment of security resources across the country.
