President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended the federal government’s decision to withdraw police escorts and security personnel from Very Important Persons (VIPs), stating that Nigeria needs all its security forces fully active in the field.
Speaking at a high-level security meeting in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that in the face of rising insecurity across the country, no officer should be idle or underutilized. He noted that while the protection of individuals in public office is important, it cannot override the safety of the general population.
“We cannot afford to have our security personnel tied down to a few individuals while communities suffer from attacks, kidnappings, and violence. Every officer must be fully deployed and effectively engaged in securing our nation,” he said.
The President added that the move is part of wider security reforms aimed at improving national safety and efficiency. He urged VIPs to cooperate and support the policy, stressing that the greater good of the nation must take priority.
The National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police are expected to lead the phased implementation of the withdrawal, while ensuring that national security coverage is not compromised.
