President Tinubu Reaffirms Move to Withdraw Police officers from VIPs, Orders Replacement With Civil Defence Corps

‎By Hajara Abdullahi

President Tinubu has reaffirmed that the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs and ministers was non negotiable.
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This was revealed in a statement on X by the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.
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According to Onanuga, President Tinubu while speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council(FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber has warned against non compliance.
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“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” President Tinubu said.
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President Tinubu also 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.
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“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” he added.
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He added that the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.
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“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
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Onanuga said the President has directed ministers to meet the Inspector General of Police and get his clearance for special assignments that require police protection.
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‎The President while clarifying that the National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.
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‎”The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.

“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.