By Kelvin Obambon
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive for the immediate withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country. Henceforth, the responsibility for armed protection of VIPs will shift to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The directive was announced on Sunday November 23, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, following a high-level security meeting chaired by President Tinubu in Abuja.
According to the presidential directive, police authorities are mandated to deploy the withdrawn officers back to their primary duties. Mr. Onanuga stated that the measure is intended to address the long-standing issue of under-policing in communities.
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“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, the president is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement read, noting that “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few police officers at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.”
The policy change specifies that any VIP wishing to retain armed protection must seek it from the NSCDC. “VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),” the directive confirmed.
In related developments aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s internal security apparatus, President Tinubu has already approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also engaged in a collaborative effort with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
The security meeting where the directive was issued was attended by key security figures, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi.
