President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday restated his directive to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs and redeploy them to core policing duties.
He made the remarks shortly before presiding over the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.
“I honestly believe in what I said. It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said, expressing frustration with the slow implementation of the directive.
He instructed the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps to immediately provide alternative escorts so that “you don’t leave people exposed.”
“The minister of interior should liaise IG and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties.
So that you don’t leave people exposed,” he insisted.
Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services to provide additional guidance and ensure full compliance with the order. He said, “NSA and DSS will provide further information and form themselves the committee and review the structure.”
Citing rising cases of abd¥ctions, the President noted the need for all available security personnel to be effectively deployed. “We are facing challenges of k+dnappings. We need all the forces we have on the ground, fully utilised.”
He added that while certain officials may still require protection, civil defence operatives should take over such roles where needed.
“I know some of our people are exposed and I understand that we have to make exceptional provision for them and civil defence is equally armed and I want to know that from NSA to arm our forest guards too, take it very seriously.”
Tinubu further disclosed that forest guards would also be armed, stating, “I have directed the NSA to arm our forest guards, too. Take it seriously.”
