Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Officers Guarding VIPS; To Focus on Core Police Duties

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons (VIPs) in the country. Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.

Tinubu gave the directive on Sunday, November 23, 2025 during a meeting with heads of security agencies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The security heads include the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi.

According to the President, VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

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.