The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu has given a directive for the planned withdrawal of Police personnel from Very Important Personalities (VIPs).
During a 2-Day Retreat for Directorate Cadre with the theme ‘Re: Envisioning the Ministry of Police Affairs for Effective Internal Security: Strengthening Administration and Management Functions for Resilience and Efficiency’ in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that Tinubu’s directive will be implemented by the Ministry. She added that the mandate also includes amending the Nigerian Police Act.
“The key mandates of the Ministry of Police Affairs are developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing Mr. President’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy,” the minister disclosed.
She emphasized that these mandates are not mere tasks but transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria. “The Nigeria Police Force finds itself at a critical juncture and is currently struggling with the consequences of decades of neglect that have hindered its ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate,” she added.
Commenting further, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted, “Given Mr. President’s commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry is now positioned at the forefront of the Police transformation agenda, and it must rise to the challenge.”
Highlighting the weighty responsibility of the Ministry, she stressed, “The Ministry must ensure coordination and create the enabling frameworks to steer the Nigeria Police Force towards improved technical and operational effectiveness.”
