President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his directive to immediately withdraw police officers currently attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs).
Speaking just before presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja, the President stressed his commitment to the order and insisted that the redeployment of these officers back to core policing duties must be implemented.
“I honestly believe in what I said…It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he told reporters.
Tinubu directed the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to collaborate with the Inspector-General of Police and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps to replace withdrawn police escorts, ensuring that individuals are not left vulnerable.
“The Minister of Interior should liaise with IG and the civil defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties,” he said.
The President justified the redeployment of police, citing the need to tackle rising crime.
“We are facing challenges of kidnapping. We need all the forces we have on the ground, fully utilised.”
To boost security, Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to arm forest guards, stating that the instruction should be taken seriously.
He tasked Vice-President Kashim Shettima with identifying and rehabilitating grazing reserves for conversion into ranches, an effort intended to formalize the livestock economy and reduce farmer-herder clashes.
“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the livestock reform into economically viable development,” he said.
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