The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has undertaken a nationwide redeployment of officers formerly assigned to protect VIPs.
He explained that the officers have been reassigned to communities in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to perform “core community policing functions”.
Idris noted that the move forms part of reinforced security operations under Operation Savannah Shield, designed to secure vulnerable areas in the north-central zone after a series of terrorist incidents, including an attack in Kwara that reportedly left about 75 people dead.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier denounced the killings in Kwara as “beastly” and “heartless”, and ordered the full deployment of state resources against those responsible for targeting civilians.
The minister added that the enhanced security strategy features improved intelligence gathering, rapid-response teams, and stronger visible policing, particularly around worship centres.
He stated that the president has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are being led domestically, while also accepting limited international support in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance from partners such as the United States.
“With heightened deployments now underway in at-risk communities, President Tinubu is demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives and upholding the fundamental right of all citizens to worship freely,” he said.
“Enhanced security around places of worship, including increased visible presence around churches on Sundays, is being implemented in close coordination with the local community and faith leaders.
“Further strengthening the security architecture, the Nigeria Police Force has executed a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties nationwide.
“These personnel have been returned to core community policing functions, delivering measurable improvements in security presence across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.”
On November 23, 2025, Tinubu directed the immediate recall of police officers attached to VIPs nationwide.