10th December, 2025
…orders engagement of NSCDC to replace police on VIP guard duties
…seeks conversion of grazing reserves to ranches
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his directive that police officers currently attached to VIPs be withdrawn and redeployed to conflict-prone areas, insisting that the nation cannot afford to keep essential security manpower away from pressing security theatres.
The President restated the order just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, tasking relevant security agencies to immediately implement the directive to strengthen the ongoing fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent criminal activity across the country.
I honestly believe in what I said, and I called the IGP… If you have any security problems because of the nature of the assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” President Tinubu said, pointing out that exceptional cases would be treated with approval.
He directed that the Ministry of Interior liaise with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace police personnel withdrawn from VIP protection duties.
“The Minister of Interior should liaise with the IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that you don’t leave people exposed,” he said.
The President further instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to form a committee to review the structure and ensure full implementation of the redeployment plan.
“NSA and DSS to provide further information and form themselves into a committee and review the structure. It should be effected,” he said.
Expressing concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping and terrorism, President Tinubu stressed that all available manpower must be channelled to areas of need.
