Tinubu announces replacement after withdrawing police officers attached to VIPs

President Bola Tinubu has directed that police officers assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs) in Nigeria be withdrawn from these duties and replaced with officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He made this announcement during the 11th Federal Executive Council meeting of 2025 at the State House in Abuja.

The president instructed the Minister of Interior to coordinate with the Inspector General of Police and the Civil Defence to ensure a smooth transition so that officials remain protected.

Tinubu also asked the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to form a committee to review the current security system and make necessary adjustments.

He stressed that NSCDC personnel are capable of taking on VIP protection roles and called for the urgent arming and effective deployment of forest guards.

His words: “I honestly believe in what I said and I call on the IGP and I hope the Minister of Police Affairs is here, if you have any problem of security because of the nature of assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.

“The Minister of Interior should liaise with IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers, who are on special security duties. So that you don’t leave people exposed.

“NSA and DSS to provide further information and form themselves the committee and review the structure.”

According to Tinubu, the move is part of broader efforts to address kidnapping and terrorism in the country.

He said the government must make full use of all available security forces to tackle these threats.

In addition, the president urged state governors to rehabilitate or designate specific communities as livestock settlements.

He said this would reduce conflicts between farmers and herders while creating economic opportunities.

Tinubu added that the National Economic Council already has a framework for livestock reform, and states can use available land to establish ranches and livestock villages to ensure peace and development.