By John Umeh
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Nigeria Police officers assigned to VIP protection, redeploying them to frontline security operations across the country following the deadly attack in Kwara State.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Friday, describing it as part of a broader strategy to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture and improve public safety.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force has already begun a nationwide redeployment of officers previously attached to private individuals and high-profile escorts.
“This large-scale redeployment is aimed at strengthening public security and restoring balance in manpower distribution,” Idris said.
For years, the widespread assignment of police personnel to VIP escort duties has drawn criticism, with many arguing that it weakened community policing and reduced the number of officers available for routine patrol and emergency response. The government’s latest move signals a shift in priority from private protection to broader public security.
The minister disclosed that the redeployed officers have been integrated into key security operations, with immediate reinforcements sent to Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Security presence has also been intensified around places of worship, particularly churches during Sunday services, in collaboration with faith leaders and local communities.
The action follows Tuesday’s brutal attack in Woro community and neighbouring Nuku area in Kwara North, where gunmen reportedly killed at least 75 villagers. The attackers were said to have set shops ablaze, torched the residence of a traditional ruler and forced residents to flee into nearby bushes.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum condemned the killings in Kwara, Katsina and Benue, describing them as “barbaric and senseless.” Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq characterised the incident as a “pure massacre,” confirming that victims had been buried.
In response to the violence, President Bola Tinubu has also directed the deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State to strengthen ongoing security operations and restore calm in the affected communities.
Idris reiterated that the administration’s counter-terrorism strategy remains Nigerian-led and focused on safeguarding national sovereignty, while remaining open to intelligence and surveillance cooperation with international partners where necessary.
The government says the redeployment marks a decisive step toward improving security presence nationwide and preventing further attacks.
