President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of roughly 100,000 police officers currently assigned to VIPs and politicians, directing that they be redeployed to frontline security and counter-insurgency operations across the country.
The decision, announced after a high-level security meeting yesterday in Abuja, is part of new measures to tackle the surge in mass abductions and terror attacks.
According to the President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs needing security support will now be protected by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), allowing the Police to refocus on core policing duties.
Nigeria’s Policing Gap
With a force of about 371,800 officers serving a population of more than 236 million, security experts and international reports have long warned that Nigeria faces severe policing shortages – worsened by the massive diversion of personnel to private protection instead of public safety.
The President also approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers and pledged upgrades to training facilities nationwide.
Tinubu’s directive comes amid controversy over the withdrawal of troops guarding St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, shortly before armed men abducted hundreds of students.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, and local leaders questioned why soldiers reportedly exited the school between midnight and 3am – less than an hour before the attackers struck. The Defence Headquarters said the incident is now under investigation, with a full review of troop movements underway.
Commanders of ‘Operation Fansan-Yamma’ have ordered troops to maintain relentless pressure on the kidnappers. Senior officers say coordinated operations are ongoing and that forces are “closing in” on the abductors.
Community leaders expressed renewed hope after seeing top commanders visit the area.
