As part of efforts to strengthen national security, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers from providing protection to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.
Consequently, police authorities will redeploy these officers to enable them focus on their core policing duties.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the directive was issued during a security meeting held in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General 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 (DSS), Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
The VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult. In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.
“Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The Federal Government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide,” the statement added.
