By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that Police personnel attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) be withdrawn, a move the Presidency says is aimed at strengthening the country’s response to its growing security concerns.
The decision was taken after an extended security briefing held at the State House, where the President met with the heads of the nation’s defence and intelligence formations, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chiefs of Army and Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu believes the redeployment will enable officers to focus squarely on their core policing responsibilities. As the directive put it, “henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.”
Under the new arrangement, VIPs who still require official security are expected to obtain “well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).”
The statement further highlighted the shortages affecting Police presence in rural and underserved communities. It noted: “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.”
Present at the meeting were Lt General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and DSS Director-General, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
Earlier on Sunday, the President had hinted at the meeting through his official X account, @officialABAT, explaining that the session was convened to evaluate “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.”