Key Points
- Tinubu orders police pulled from VIP duty immediately. Officers must now focus on patrols near towns.
- VIPs must hire NSCDC escorts for armed protection. The presidency says many rural stations lack enough police.
- Government approves recruiting thirty thousand new police officers. States will also help upgrade training and station capacity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered police withdrawal from VIP protection across Nigeria yesterday. He said officers should return to core patrol and station duties.
Officials held a security meeting with the top service chiefs yesterday. The presidency blamed rising kidnappings and low staffing in rural areas Tinubu meeting with US officials.
Tinubu said VIPs can source armed escorts from the NSCDC if needed. He said police must prioritise patrols and quick crime response.
What the presidency says
Bayo Onanuga, the president’s information adviser, briefed reporters after the meeting. He said many rural stations have too few officers to guard towns.
The presidency said recruitment of thirty thousand officers has cabinet approval. The plan joins wider diplomatic and security outreach ministers meet UK officials.
Some governors welcomed the move as a way to boost local policing. Others warned about short-term gaps where VIPs lose fixed police guards.
Onanuga said the shift is meant to boost community safety. “We must fill every station,” he said.
Some analysts said reallocating officers could cut crime in the long run. They urged quick training and state support for new recruits.
Security chiefs at the meeting included the army and air chiefs and the DSS head. The inspector general of police and other senior officers attended as well.
Some civil rights groups praised the aim to strengthen grassroots policing. They asked for clear plans and public budgets to track progress.
Some town leaders said they welcome more patrols in rural areas. They described long gaps in night patrols and slow responses.
The NSCDC confirmed it can offer armed teams for VIP escorts. Officials said the teams meet legal and weapons standards for escorts.
Budget details for the recruitment drive will appear in coming weeks. Governors will discuss funding shares and where recruits should train.
Experts warned quick reassignments may strain some urban units briefly. They urged phased moves with data to guide resource shifts.
Families of kidnapping victims welcomed the plan for more patrols. They said steady local police gave communities more calm and trust.
The presidency promised updates as new officers start training nationwide. It said the change aims to return police to basic duties.
Experts said success depends on fast recruit vetting and local support. They asked for community input in police post planning and patrol routes. If done well, towns could see fewer attacks and thefts.
The president said the policy aims to boost safety for all Nigerians. Implementation details will appear with recruit lists and training dates.
