President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, December 10, restated his directive for the withdrawal of police officers from VIP escorts, telling ministers and senior officials who feel exposed that any request for special security must receive his personal clearance.
The President issued the directive moments after entering the Council Chambers for the Executive Council of the Federation meeting, saying the move is aimed at redirecting security personnel to the fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
Tinubu said he had already informed the Inspector-General of Police and warned ministries, agencies, and individuals that any request for security protection must be routed through the IGP and cleared directly by him.
“If you have any problem of security because of the nature of your assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.
He further instructed the Minister of Interior to work with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to immediately replace withdrawn police escorts with civil defence officers so that no legitimately exposed person is left vulnerable.
The President also directed the National Security Adviser and the DSS to form a committee to review the entire security deployment structure and strengthen intelligence support, saying the country must mobilise “all the forces we can utilise.”
Tinubu said forest guards must also be armed and asked the NSA to take the matter seriously.
On livestock reform, the President handed a document to Vice President Kashim Shettima and issued a clear directive:
“Get the NEC to first identify which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches and livestock settlements.” he said
He said the aim is to end recurring herder-farmer conflicts and convert the livestock sector into an engine of economic opportunity, stressing that because land belongs to the states, the National Economic Council must work closely with governors to turn recoverable grazing areas into livestock villages.
Full Statement
PRESIDENT TINUBU: NO GOING BACK ON THE DIRECTIVE TO WITHDRAW POLICE OFFICERS FROM VIPs
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable, admonishing all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.
Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber, the President warned against non-compliance.
"If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,'' he said.
President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to follow up on the implementation of the order.
The President noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, and the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs was not their responsibility.
President Tinubu said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.
"The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,'' he added.
The President noted that the police would be mobilised appropriately to tackle the country's security challenges.
He said the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.
"We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,'' the President stated.
President Tinubu said ministers should meet the Inspector General of Police and get his clearance for special assignments that require police protection.
"NSA take this very seriously,'' he added.
The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.
President Tinubu directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.
"The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable.
"The opportunity is there, let's utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state,'' he added.
The President said villages and communities facing conflicts must be salvaged.
The President noted that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
December 10, 2025