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FG orders police redeployment to frontline after Kwara attack pulling officers off VIP duties to strengthen community security.

Nigeria’s security priorities are shifting following the deadly Kwara attack that shocked the nation.

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIP escort duties. Those officers are now being reassigned to frontline security operations across the country.

The announcement was made on Friday, February 13, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

He said the decision forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve community policing.

The directive comes days after gunmen attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara North. At least 75 villagers were killed. Homes and shops were burned, and many residents fled for safety.

The attack drew widespread condemnation from regional leaders and security stakeholders.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, described the incident as a “pure massacre” and confirmed that victims had been buried.

The Northern States Governors’ Forum also condemned the killings in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states, calling them senseless and barbaric.

For years, police officers assigned to VIP protection reduced the number available for public patrol and rapid response. Critics argued that this weakened community policing.

The government now says thousands of officers have been returned to operational duties.

According to Idris, immediate personnel reinforcements have been deployed to Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.

Security presence has also been increased around places of worship, especially churches during Sunday services, in coordination with community leaders.

In response to the attack, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State to restore calm and reinforce ongoing operations.

The government maintains that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy remains locally driven and sovereignty-focused. However, officials say the country remains open to strategic international cooperation, especially in intelligence and surveillance support.

The withdrawal of police from VIP escort duties signals a shift in security priorities.

More officers are expected to return to communities, highways, and vulnerable areas.

The key question now is whether this renewed deployment will quickly translate into improved safety and restored public confidence.