December 10, (THEWILL) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, reaffirmed his directive for the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, insisting that Nigeria can no longer afford to keep critical security manpower away from conflict-prone areas grappling with terrorism, kidnapping and violent crimes.
The President restated the order shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
Directing relevant security agencies to ensure full and prompt implementation of the directive, President Tinubu said, “I honestly believe in what I said, and I called the IGP. If you have any security problems because of the nature of the assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.”
He also emphasised that exceptional cases would be considered strictly on approval.
To avoid exposing individuals previously covered by police protection, the President directed the Ministry of Interior to liaise with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to provide alternative security arrangements.
“The Minister of Interior should liaise with the IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that you don’t leave people exposed”, he said.
The President further directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to constitute a committee to review the existing security structure and ensure the effective redeployment of personnel.
“NSA and DSS should provide further information and form themselves into a committee and review the structure. It should be effected”, he ordered.
Expressing deep concern over the persistent threats of kidnapping and terrorism, President Tinubu stressed that all available security resources must be deployed where they are most needed.
“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces that we can utilise”, he stated.
While acknowledging that some individuals may face genuine security risks, the President maintained that such responsibilities should be handled by other armed formations.
President Tinubu also called for enhanced arming of forest guards as part of efforts to secure ungoverned spaces.
“I know some of our people are exposed… Civil Defence are equally armed, and I want to know from the NSA to arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously”, he added.
On livestock reform, President Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to initiate discussions at the National Economic Council (NEC) on identifying grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements, describing the move as critical to ending recurring herder–farmer conflicts.
“Especially on livestock reform, I think the Vice President should get the NEC first of all to see which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches, livestock settlements”, he said.
The President noted that transforming grazing areas into productive agricultural and commercial hubs would create jobs, expand economic opportunities and eliminate cycles of conflict.
“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the livestock reform into economically viable development. The opportunity is there; let’s utilise it”, he added.
President Tinubu also reminded state governments of their constitutional control over land and urged their cooperation in converting suitable areas into livestock villages.
“If we emphasise the constitutional requirement which says the land belongs to the states… whichever one they can salvage, convert to a livestock village or herders’ village. Let us stop this conflict area and turn it into economic opportunities and prosperity”, he concluded.
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