President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that his directive withdrawing police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs and serving ministers will stand, urging members of the Federal Executive Council to obey the order without delay.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Opening Wednesday’s FEC meeting at the State House Council Chamber, the President cautioned against defying the new policy.
He told ministers: “If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.”
He instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to supervise full enforcement of the order.
The President stressed that the priority of the police is the protection of citizens, especially vulnerable groups, not guarding privileged individuals. He announced that the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will arrange for personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to assume VIP protection duties.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he said.
President Tinubu stated that the police will be reassigned to confront security threats facing the country. He promised a review of the security structure to strengthen support for communities exposed to crime.
On the nation’s security outlook, he said: “We face challenges here and there of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around.”
He reminded ministers to liaise with the Inspector General of Police and seek clearance for any assignment requiring police deployment. “NSA, take this very seriously,” he cautioned.
The President also tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his role as NEC Chairman, to brief governors and critical stakeholders on ongoing ranching reforms. He directed the Minister of Livestock, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin mobilisation in conflict-prone locations.
He said: “The Minister of Livestock, 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 opportunity is there, let’s utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state.”
President Tinubu maintained that communities affected by clashes must be restored, adding that the ranching plan is designed to limit disputes between herders and farmers and protect those at risk.
