Ministers Ordered to Comply Immediately as FG Moves to Reassign Officers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that the directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs and federal ministers remains final and will be fully enforced.
Speaking during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President cautioned ministers and government officials against disregarding the order. He made clear that only those with exceptional needs tied to the nature of their duties may apply for approval.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he told the ministers.
Tinubu instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam; and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure strict implementation of the directive.
According to the President, the Nigeria Police Force must return to its primary mandate of protecting citizens, especially vulnerable communities, rather than serving a small circle of privileged individuals.
He disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been tasked with coordinating the replacement of withdrawn police personnel with officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“The Civil Defence Corps is trained and armed for VIP protection,” the President said, adding that the restructuring would allow the police to focus on combating kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and other internal security threats.
Tinubu also announced plans to overhaul Nigeria’s overall security architecture to channel manpower toward areas of heightened vulnerability.
“We face challenges here and there. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” he noted.
The President further directed ministers who require police protection for specific assignments to seek clearance directly from the Inspector General of Police.
Turning to agricultural and security reforms, Tinubu urged Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), to intensify consultations with state governors on the rollout of the national ranching initiative.
He instructed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin mobilising resources, particularly in regions experiencing frequent farmer-herder clashes.
“Identify which villages or grazing reserves can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate these conflict areas and make livestock reform economically viable,” the President said, stressing that land allocation remains the constitutional prerogative of state governments.
Tinubu added that resolving herder-farmer conflicts through ranching would protect vulnerable communities and promote long-term stability.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on December 10, 2025.
