President Tinubu
By Ojuola Ayo
President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, to draw up “exceptional provisions” for VIPs who might find themselves exposed after the recent police withdrawal from personal security details. The request comes as part of a broader push to redeploy thousands of officers from VIP escorts back to frontline policing, a move the president says is essential for tackling the country’s rising insecurity.
In a statement released by the presidency, Tinubu emphasized that the police force is trained to protect the public, not to serve as private bodyguards for individuals. He therefore instructed the interior ministry to work closely with the Inspector‑General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that any gaps left by the withdrawal are filled with appropriate civil‑defence personnel.
The interior minister has been tasked with drafting a framework that outlines which categories of VIPs qualify for the special arrangements, what level of protection they will receive, and how the transition will be coordinated. Sources say the plan may include a tiered security system that blends NSCDC officers with limited police presence, depending on the perceived threat to each individual.
Lawmakers have already begun to weigh in, with some senators warning that the withdrawal could be applied selectively. They argue that while ordinary politicians are being stripped of their escorts, influential figures in business and government might still retain protection. The Senate’s Committee on Police Affairs has been urged to monitor the implementation to avoid any perception of favoritism.
Public reaction is mixed. Many Nigerians welcome the idea of more police on the streets, hoping it will translate into better crime prevention and faster response times. At the same time, there is concern about the safety of high‑profile individuals who may become targets if they are left without adequate security, especially in a climate where kidnappings and violent attacks remain common.
As the interior ministry prepares its proposal, the president’s office has stressed that the “exceptional provision” will be temporary and strictly limited to those whose exposure could pose a national security risk. The aim, they say, is to strike a balance between improving overall public safety and ensuring that no one is left dangerously vulnerable in the process.
