Former senator Shehu Sani has weighed in on President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police officers from VIP protection, describing the policy as commendable in principle but potentially lacking practical effect.
Speaking on X on Sunday, Sani noted that while the move aligns with Nigeria’s pressing security challenges, there are concerns about whether it will be fully implemented. “The withdrawal of police from VIPs is a positive policy step considering the nation’s urgent security needs, but it risks remaining symbolic,” he said.
The directive, issued by President Tinubu, instructs that police officers currently assigned to VIPs be redeployed to focus on their core policing duties nationwide. According to his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the initiative aims to strengthen security across communities by prioritizing law enforcement where it is most needed.
Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring armed protection will now seek assistance from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Additionally, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers to enhance police presence, particularly in remote and underserved areas where staffing shortages have hindered effective protection of residents.