President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to guard high-profile individuals across Nigeria, redirecting them to core policing duties in communities nationwide. This decision was made during a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, attended by top military and security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Director-General of the State Security Service.

The presidential directive requires Very Important Persons (VIPs) seeking protection to engage the services of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will provide armed operatives for such duties. This move aims to address the shortage of police presence in many parts of the country, particularly in remote areas where police stations are understaffed and struggle to safeguard lives and property.

President Tinubu emphasized the need to strengthen police capacity and improve visibility at the community level, given the prevailing security challenges across the nation. To achieve this, the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide, marking a significant shift in security priorities towards community policing and enhancing frontline response to threats.

The redeployment of police officers from VIP protection to community policing duties is expected to bolster security in areas where it is needed most. The move is part of a broader effort to restructure security priorities, with a focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity and improving the overall safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens. As the country continues to grapple with security challenges, the government’s decision to prioritize community policing and strengthen police presence in vulnerable areas is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing national security and stability.