President Bola Tinubu has doubled down on his order to withdraw police officers from VIP and VVIP security assignments, declaring during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC), meeting that the directive is final and must be executed immediately.
“No Exceptions Without Clearance”
Tinubu warned ministers and top officials against resisting the new policy, insisting that only those with extraordinary security needs may seek temporary exceptions — and only with his direct approval via the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He directed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and IGP, Kayode Egbetokun to ensure full enforcement.
Police Must Return to Core Duty, President Says
The President argued that the country’s worsening security challenges require redeploying officers to their primary role: protecting ordinary citizens and vulnerable communities.
He stressed that VIP protection is not the responsibility of the police.
