President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed that the directive to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs and ministers is final, warning government officials against any form of non-compliance.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, Tinubu said the decision was necessary to refocus policing on public safety rather than elite protection.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he told ministers.
The president directed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to monitor enforcement of the order.
He stressed that police officers “were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable,” not a select group of privileged individuals.
Tinubu said Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo will supervise the transition, with Civil Defence personnel replacing police officers previously assigned to VIP protection.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he said.
The president added that security structures will be reviewed to strengthen surveillance and better protect communities facing kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
“We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make exceptions.
The Civil Defence is very much around,” he said.
He urged ministers requiring police for special duties to seek clearance from the Inspector General of Police.
Tinubu also tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Economic Council to intensify advocacy on ranching reforms aimed at reducing farmer-herder clashes.
He directed the Minister of Livestock, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to begin mobilisation in conflict-prone areas.
“See which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching.
We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable,” the president said.
