By John Umeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive confirming that the ongoing removal of police bodyguards from top government officials and influential individuals will continue without exception.
Addressing ministers at Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the President stressed that the directive must be executed immediately and warned that any attempt to obstruct or delay its implementation would not be tolerated.
Tinubu told cabinet members that only those with genuinely critical security concerns would be considered for special approval—and such approval would come directly from him after consultations with the Inspector-General of Police.
Security Chiefs Tasked With Execution
To ensure the directive is fully implemented nationwide, Tinubu assigned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to supervise the withdrawal exercise and report any resistance.
The President emphasised that police officers exist primarily to safeguard the general public, not to serve as personal security aides for a privileged minority.
He added that the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will coordinate the deployment of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives to handle VIP protection for those who genuinely require it.
Police to Be Redirected to National Security Frontlines
Tinubu said the administration is repositioning the police for greater operational impact, especially with the rising threats of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism across the country.
He explained that officers retrieved from VIP duties would be reassigned to areas where security vulnerabilities are highest.
He also directed all security agencies to treat the policy as a critical national assignment.
Ranching Reforms Back in Focus
The President shifted attention to the country’s long-running herder–farmer conflicts, mandating Vice President Kashim Shettima to step up engagements with state governors and relevant stakeholders on the rollout of ranching reforms.
He instructed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin identifying locations that can be converted into ranches—particularly in areas prone to violent clashes.
Tinubu stressed that ranching, if properly implemented, would protect rural communities, reduce conflicts and create viable economic opportunities in the livestock sector. He reminded the council that state governments legally control land and must therefore play a central role in the reform.
