Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Escorts From Wike, Other Ministers
President Bola Tinubu has directed that police escorts assigned to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and all other ministers be withdrawn.
He said the decision aligns with his earlier instruction to pull police officers away from VIP security duties nationwide.
Tinubu further ordered the Minister of Interior, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to immediately deploy alternative security personnel so that no official is left without protection.
Speaking during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President stressed that the rising cases of terrorism and kidnapping require all security agencies to be fully committed to public safety rather than guarding VIPs.
He also instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to work with state governments through the National Economic Council (NEC) to identify grazing reserves that can be renovated into ranches and livestock settlements.
Reaffirming his stance on the police withdrawal, Tinubu insisted the order must be enforced. He added that any official who requires police protection must first get approval from the IGP, who will then seek clearance directly from him.
“On the withdrawal of police officers, I stand by my directive,” Tinubu said. “If anyone has genuine security concerns due to their assignment, they must contact the IGP and secure my approval. The Interior Minister should work with the IGP to ensure civil defence officers replace police on special duties. The NSA and DSS should set up a committee to restructure and ensure full implementation.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity demands that all security manpower be maximally deployed, noting that civil defence officers are capable of handling special protection roles. He added that even forest guards may be armed to strengthen national security.
This directive follows fresh security concerns, including recent mass abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger States. In response, Tinubu had earlier ordered the withdrawal of police from VIP assignments and approved the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun confirmed that more than 11,000 officers have already been recalled from VIP duties. He said the move will boost security manpower for rural communities, urban areas, large-population centres, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid emergency response.
However, he warned that the implementation must be carefully monitored to avoid impersonation, misinformation, or exploitation by criminals.
What do you think—can this new withdrawal directive succeed where previous ones failed? And what measures would you suggest to improve security across Nigeria?
