VIP Escort Withdrawal: Tinubu Says All Security Forces Must Be Fully Deployed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has linked the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs to ongoing security reforms aimed at addressing rising kidnappings and boosting frontline law-enforcement capacity.

Speaking before Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the President reaffirmed his order that police personnel attached to VIPs be redeployed to operational duties.

“I stand by my directive. It must be implemented. If there is any issue due to the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and seek my clearance,” Tinubu said.

He directed the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that withdrawn escorts are replaced where necessary so that no individual is left vulnerable.

Tinubu added that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS) would provide guidelines on how the order should be carried out. “The NSA and DSS will supply further details and form a committee to review the structure,” he said.

The President linked the renewed enforcement to the surge in abductions across the country. “We are facing serious kidnapping challenges. We need every security asset deployed and fully utilised,” he said. He added that civil defence officers could take over VIP protection in some cases.

Tinubu also confirmed that forest guards would be armed, saying: “I have directed the NSA to arm our forest guards. Take it seriously.”

Livestock Reform and Conflict Reduction

The President assigned Vice-President Kashim Shettima to drive livestock-sector reforms through the National Economic Council (NEC). He tasked the Vice-President with identifying viable grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated and converted into ranches.

“The NEC should begin by determining which grazing reserves or villages can be revived and turned into ranches or livestock settlements,” he said.

Tinubu said the reforms aim to reduce farmer-herder conflicts and build a stronger livestock economy. “We must eliminate conflict and turn livestock reform into a viable economic opportunity. The potential is there, let’s make use of it.”

He noted that since land belongs to the states under the constitution, state governments have a key role in providing land for livestock projects.

Background

Wednesday’s comments come three weeks after Tinubu first ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs following mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States.

The decision has generated public debate, including remarks from Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, who recently questioned the heavy security detail attached to a young individual later identified as the President’s son.