Tinubu withdraws police from VIP duties to boost community security and strengthen nationwide policing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country, directing that the officers return to regular policing duties.

The directive was announced by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga after a high-level security meeting held on Sunday, November 23, in Abuja. 

The session brought together top security chiefs, including leaders of the army, air force, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the statement, prominent Nigerians who still require security escorts will now have to request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the police.

Onanuga explained that many rural communities currently suffer from low police presence, a situation that makes safety and crime-fighting difficult. 

He added that the President wants more officers stationed in neighbourhoods where they are most needed.

To support this shift, President Tinubu has already approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers. The federal government is also partnering with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Those present at the Abuja security briefing included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and DSS Director-General Tosin Adeola Ajayi.