Civil Defence to provide security for VIPs as Tinubu withdraws police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the government said police personnel will now focus on their primary duties, including community policing and safeguarding citizens, while VIPs seeking protection will rely on well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The directive emerged during a security meeting held on Sunday at the State House in Abuja, attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

The statement highlighted that in many parts of the country, especially remote areas, police presence is limited, making it challenging to protect and defend communities.

By redeploying officers from VIP duties, the government aims to strengthen security coverage nationwide.

President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and announced collaboration with state governments to upgrade police training facilities across the country.

The move signals a shift in VIP security arrangements, with the NSCDC taking the lead in protecting public officials, while the police concentrate on core law enforcement responsibilities.