Tinubu Orders Withdrawal Of Police From VIPs, Approves 30,000 New Recruits After Security Briefing

Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs, Withdraws Police From VIPs, Approves Recruitment of 30,000 Officers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday evening held a high-level security meeting with top commanders of the armed forces and intelligence agencies at the State House, Abuja.

In a statement shared on his verified X handle, @OfficialABAT, the President revealed that decisive actions are underway to stabilize regions experiencing heightened security threats. He assured Nigerians that anyone undermining the nation’s territorial integrity will be firmly dealt with.

Tinubu stated:

“I am currently in an extended security meeting with heads of our defence and intelligence apparatus including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, at the State House.

We are reviewing the latest reports and taking decisive actions to stabilise the affected areas and protect our citizens. I am receiving continuous briefings and have directed our security services to move with speed, precision, and absolute resolve.

As President, I am fully committed to the security of all Nigerians. Those who threaten the peace and security of our nation will face the full weight of the law.

Nigeria will prevail.”

Police Withdrawn From VIP Protection

In a related development, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed that President Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons (VIPs). The directive, issued during the meeting with security chiefs, mandates that police personnel be redeployed to focus on core policing duties across the country.

Under the new policy, VIPs requiring armed escorts must now request such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

This move follows concerns that many remote communities have little to no police presence, weakening the ability to safeguard lives and maintain order.

30,000 New Police Officers to Be Recruited

To reinforce national security, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The Federal Government is also working with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

Those present at the security meeting included:

• Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff

• Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff

• Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police

• Tosin Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services