President Bola Tinubu has again insisted that police officers assigned to VIPs must be withdrawn and returned to core policing duties.

Speaking shortly before the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, he expressed frustration with the slow pace of compliance, telling officials to contact the Inspector General of Police (IGP) if they have genuine security concerns.

Tinubu directed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to immediately replace withdrawn police escorts so that no VIP is left without protection.

He also instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to guide and monitor the implementation.

The President linked the move to rising kidnapping cases, saying all available officers must return to active security duties in communities, highways and schools, adding that while some individuals remain vulnerable, NSCDC personnel should step in for VIP protection where needed.

Tinubu also revealed that forest guards will be armed to strengthen security in remote areas.

On livestock reform, the President tasked Vice-President Kashim Shettima to use the National Economic Council to identify and rehabilitate grazing reserves into ranches, aiming to reduce farmer-herder clashes and develop the livestock sector.

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The renewed push follows an earlier directive withdrawing police details from VIPs after multiple mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger.

The order resurfaced after Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka criticised the large security convoy reportedly assigned to a young individual close to the Presidency, describing it as excessive and unnecessary.

Source: Punch