Tinubu Insists on Redeployment of Police from VIPs, Calls for Immediate Compliance

P President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that his directive to withdraw police officers assigned to VIPs, VVIPs, and ministers is non-negotiable, urging all ministers to comply immediately.

Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House Council Chamber on Wednesday, President Tinubu warned that non-compliance would not be tolerated. He advised ministers who require police protection for special assignments to liaise with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for clearance.

The President instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, and IGP Kayode Egebtokun to ensure strict implementation of the order. He emphasized that police officers are trained to protect citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, and that protecting a select group of VIPs is not their responsibility.

President Tinubu announced that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, would oversee the replacement of police personnel with the Civil Defence Corps for VIP protection. “The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he said, noting that police resources would be better deployed to tackle national security challenges such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

He further directed ministers to coordinate with the IGP for any special assignments requiring police protection and urged Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to sensitize governors and stakeholders on ranching reforms to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers. President Tinubu stressed the importance of mobilizing resources for areas facing conflict and making livestock reform economically viable.