President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his call for the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to protect prominent individuals, directing that they be redeployed to areas grappling with insecurity.

 

During the Federal Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday, Tinubu emphasized the importance of this order, stating, “I honestly believe in what I said, and I call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP). If there are any security concerns due to the nature of your assignment, please contact the IGP for my clearance.”

 

The President also addressed concerns about the potential security gaps caused by the withdrawal, instructing the Minister for Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to collaborate with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to ensure the affected police officers are replaced. “The Minister for Interior should work with the IGP and the Civil Defence to deploy officers to cover the duties of those removed from VIP protection,” Tinubu added.

 

He further called on the National Security Adviser, NSA, and the Department of State Services, DSS, to form a committee to review the security structure and ensure that no area is left vulnerable. “We cannot afford to leave volatile areas without adequate security,” the President stressed.

 

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Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by crime, including kidnapping and terrorism, saying, “We need every resource available to us. While some individuals may be exposed, civil defence personnel are equally armed and can provide additional protection.”

 

This directive follows an earlier announcement on November 24, during a security meeting with the service chiefs, IGP, and DSS Director-General, where Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIP security. “Henceforth, police officers will be redeployed to focus on their core duties,” the President said, according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

 

Following the President’s directive, IGP Kayode Egbetokun confirmed that 11,566 police officers had been recalled, with their redeployment to underserved and high-risk communities already underway.

 

Source: Channels