President Bola Tinubu has directed that police officers currently assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons (VIPs) be withdrawn.
In a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, it was explained that moving forward, police leadership will redeploy these officers so they can focus on their primary policing responsibilities.
The statement noted that the President gave this order during a security meeting held on Sunday with the heads of the police, Air Force, army, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.
According to the directive, “VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.”
The statement added: “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.”
Those present at Sunday’s meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
