Tinubu Directs Ministers To Obtain Clearance For Police Escorts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday directed ministers and senior government officials to obtain his approval before requesting police escorts for official engagements.
The directive was issued during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja.

The instruction followed the November 23, order mandating the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.
That earlier directive emerged after a security meeting the president held with service chiefs, including the heads of the police, air force, army, and the director-general of the DSS.
Under the new arrangement, VIPs in need of protection are expected to request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and pledged collaboration with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
The decision came amid rising security concerns, including killings and kidnapping attacks—particularly the abduction of students from schools.
Addressing the FEC, Tinubu stressed that the redeployment of police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was non-negotiable, and ordered all affected officials, including ministers, to comply immediately.

Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure full implementation of the directive.
He said, “I have told the Inspector-General of Police, and I hope the Minister of Police Affairs is here to implement the directive. If you have any problem with security due to the nature of your assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.”

The president also instructed the Minister of Interior to work with the IGP and NSCDC to fill gaps created by the withdrawal of officers on special duties.
He said, “The Minister of Interior should liaise with the IGP and Civil Defence to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that people are not left exposed.”
Tinubu emphasised that police officers were primarily trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, rather than providing security for a select group of VIPs.
He assured that the police would be properly mobilised to confront national security challenges.
The president further directed the NSA and DSS to review the country’s security architecture and implement necessary adjustments.

Citing heightened security threats nationwide, Tinubu said the directive must be enforced without delay. He acknowledged that some officials faced high exposure risks and highlighted the need to strengthen community security structures, including forest guards.
He said, “I know some of our people are exposed, and we must make exceptional provision for them. The civil defence is equally armed, and I want to know from the NSA if we are to arm our forest guards too. We should take it very seriously.”

Tinubu Directs Ministers To Obtain Clearance For EscortsPresident Tinubu also urged Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of ranching reforms.
The president directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin the mobilisation process, with particular focus on conflict-prone areas.

thewyreng