In a significant reorganization of security deployment, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate evacuation of police officers assigned to Very Important Persons throughout the nation.
The directive was one of the conclusions made during the President’s high-level security conference with Service Chiefs in Abuja, according to a statement released on Sunday by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
According to Onanuga, the action is intended to improve the police’s presence in areas experiencing insecurity and return them to their “core duties.”
VIPs who want armed security escorts must now apply to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) under the new system.
“VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” Onanuga said, citing the directive.
He clarified that the lack of police officers at police stations has made many isolated villages in the nation vulnerable.
President Tinubu has authorized the hiring of 30,000 more police officers to close the staffing shortfall, and he is collaborating with state governments to modernize training facilities around the country.
“President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities in light of the current security challenges facing the country,” the statement continued.
The following people attended the security meeting on Sunday:
Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police
Tosin Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the DSS
