Owing to the heightened security threats in the country, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons in the country.
The directive was contained in a statement sent in by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy on Sunday.
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The President has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 police officers to boost security operations and ensure the presence of police in all locations.
“Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties,” the statement noted.
Onanuga said the presidential directive was issued at the security meeting President Tinubu held on Sunday with the police, Air Force, army chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abuja.
According to the Presidential directive, VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The Presidential Spokesman said many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.
He said in view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.
“Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide,” the statement added.