Tinubu orders withdrawal of Police officers from VIPs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday ordered withdrawal of Police personnel from Very Important Persons (VIPs), as part of concerted efforts to surmount scary security challenges in the country.

This followed an extended security meeting with heads of defence and intelligence apparatus including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the DSS, at the State House.

The President, in a press statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy,  said the decision will allow Police officers to concentrate on their core duties.

According to the directive, “henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.”

According to the Presidential directive, VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The statement reads in part: “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas,  have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.

“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.

“Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide. “

The  meeting was attended by 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.

Earlier, Tinubu disclosed the meeting with security chiefs via his official X handle @officialABAT, explaining that the security session was to review “the latest reports and take decisive actions to stabilise the affected areas and protect our citizens.

“I am receiving continuous briefings and have directed our security services to move with speed, precision, and absolute resolve.

“As President, I am fully committed to the security of all Nigerians. Those who threaten the peace and security of our nation will face the full weight of the law. Nigeria will prevail.”