Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Escorts From VIPs — Officers Redeployed to Public Policing

In a sweeping security directive announced on Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria, redeploying them to core policing duties nationwide. State House Abuja+2Vanguard News+2

What the Order Means

All police personnel currently providing security for VIPs are to return to regular police duties — community patrols, crime prevention, rural security, and frontline law enforcement. Premium Times Nigeria+2TheCable+2
VIPs who still need protection will now have to apply for security support from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rather than rely on the national police force. Nairametrics+1
To reinforce this shift, the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and the upgrade of policing and training infrastructure across the country. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2Nairametrics+2

Why the Move

The decision comes amid a surge in nationwide insecurity, with many rural and remote communities suffering from inadequate police presence. According to the presidency, reallocating officers from VIP-escort roles to core policing will strengthen security coverage, improve response times, and help curb rising crime, banditry, and kidnappings — especially in underserved areas. radionigeriakaduna.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2

At a security meeting in Abuja attended by service chiefs — including heads of the Army, Air Force, Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) — the directive was agreed upon as part of broader efforts to restore public safety and community policing. The Telegraph Nigeria+2State House Abuja+2

Immediate Impact: Thousands Redeployed

The country’s police leadership has confirmed the withdrawal of over 11,500 officers from VIP duties so far. TheCable+1 These officers are to be reassigned to areas with critical security needs, including rural regions and communities that previously lacked sufficient policing coverage. TheCable+2radionigeriakaduna.gov.ng+2

In addition to the mass redeployment, the approved recruitment of 30,000 new officers is expected to significantly expand the capacity of the force, while planned upgrades to training facilities aim to improve readiness and professionalism across the country. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2Nairametrics+2

What It Means for Nigerians

Proponents of the move say it could lead to:

Better police coverage, especially in remote and high-risk communities
Faster police response to crimes, kidnappings, and communal violence
A shift from VIP-centric protection to broader community safety

However, some observers warn of potential challenges — including whether the NSCDC (and other alternative security agencies) can adequately fill the protection role for VIPs, and whether the newly redeployed police officers will be properly supported and resourced to handle frontline duties.