President Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of 100,000 Police Officers from VIP Duties to Strengthen Security and Combat Terrorism
President Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of 100,000 Police Officers from VIP Duties to Strengthen Security and Combat Terrorism
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of at least 100,000 police officers assigned to VIPs and politicians, redirecting them to core policing duties such as counter-insurgency and community protection. The move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s security amidst ongoing terrorist threats across the country.
The directive was announced on Sunday during a security meeting in Abuja, attended by Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services. According to a statement by President’s Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), freeing police officers for frontline duties.
Currently, an estimated 100,000 police officers are deployed to VIP protection nationwide, leaving fewer personnel available for public safety. Despite previous promises by successive Police Inspectors-General to reduce VIP duties, this has not materialized until now.
A 2025 report by the European Union Agency for Asylum highlighted that Nigeria’s police force has about 371,800 officers serving a population of approximately 237 million. The report emphasized that diversion of personnel to VIP security exacerbates shortages in community policing and crime prevention, particularly in remote areas.
President Tinubu’s administration also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is collaborating with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
The security meeting was attended by top military and intelligence officials, including Army Chief Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, Air Force Chief Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Police IG Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director-General Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
Meanwhile, concerns arose over troop withdrawals from a school in Niger State, where an attack resulted in the abduction of dozens of schoolgirls. The Defence Headquarters announced an investigation into the redeployment of soldiers from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government.
Niger State Governor Nasir Idris demanded explanations after troops reportedly left the school shortly before the attack. He expressed deep concern over the security lapse, noting that soldiers departed around 3 a.m., just 45 minutes before bandits struck. The governor called for a full military inquiry into the incident.
Community leaders confirmed that soldiers were present at the school until about midnight but withdrew shortly after. Police personnel at the scene claimed they took cover when the attack occurred, citing the heavily armed bandits.
The Defence Media Operations Director, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, stated that the military was reviewing the incident and would take corrective steps if lapses are identified. The armed forces also assured the public that efforts to rescue the abducted students are ongoing, with military operations intensified.
In a related development, the Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Warrah Idris, ordered troops to increase efforts to locate the abducted students. During a visit to the scene, Idris emphasized the need for relentless pressure on the kidnappers, promising full support and resources for the rescue mission.
Community leaders expressed renewed hope following the military’s high-level engagement, believing the operation will lead to the students’ safe return.
In northern Nigeria, security concerns have prompted the closure of all secondary schools in Kebbi State, including private institutions, following recent attacks and abductions. The government’s decision aims to protect students and staff amid rising insecurity but has drawn criticism from security experts.
The closure affects hundreds of schools across all local government areas, with only the College of Nursing Sciences remaining open. Officials urged parents and communities to remain calm and cooperate with security measures, emphasizing that prolonged school closures could hinder educational progress and deepen poverty.
Security analyst Col. (rtd.) Ahmed Usman criticized the shutdown, arguing that closing schools is an ineffective response and could encourage criminal activity. He stressed that sustainable peace requires a combination of military action, dialogue, youth empowerment, and addressing root causes like unemployment.
Meanwhile, some abducted students have managed to escape. According to the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State, 50 of the girls abducted from St. Mary School have been reunited with their families. The total number of students still in captivity remains at around 253, including staff and secondary students.
In another successful rescue, 38 worshippers kidnapped from a church in Kwara State have regained their freedom following a joint security operation. The attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, which resulted in three deaths and the abduction of 38 worshippers, sparked widespread outrage. Security agencies conducted an intensive operation involving multiple units, leading to the release of the hostages.
The Nigerian security forces continue to bolster efforts to combat rising insecurity, protect schools, and ensure the safe return of abducted persons across the country.
