President Bola Tinubu has directed all ministers and senior officials to seek his approval before requesting police escorts for official duties, stressing the need for tighter coordination among security agencies.
The order was issued at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja. Tinubu said security lapses often occur when officers are reassigned without adequate replacement planning.
“I have told the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and I expect the Minister of Police Affairs to implement this directive. If you require security due to your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the president said.
He also instructed the Minister of Interior to liaise with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to fill gaps left by officers on special duties, ensuring no community is left exposed.
Additionally, Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the State Security Service (SSS) to review the nation’s security structure and make necessary adjustments. He emphasized that the directive is urgent given the rising security threats across the country.
Highlighting high-risk officials, the president suggested arming forest guards to bolster community protection. “The civil defence are armed, and I want to know from the NSA if forest guards should also be armed. We must take this seriously,” he said.
On agricultural security, Tinubu tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima with working alongside the National Economic Council to revive grazing reserves and develop ranches, aiming to prevent herder–farmer conflicts. “We must turn livestock reform into economically viable development, and states should drive the process within their constitutional powers,” he added.
This move follows Tinubu’s November 23 directive to withdraw police officers from VIPs nationwide. The Special Protection Unit has begun implementing the order, with the IGP confirming that 11,566 personnel previously assigned to VIPs have been recalled.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Senate requested that lawmakers be exempted from the directive.