President Tinubu orders VIP police redeployment to security hotspots and tasks NSCDC with protection duties while advancing livestock reform

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive that police officers currently assigned to VIP protection be withdrawn and redeployed to conflict-prone areas, insisting that essential security manpower must be concentrated where threats are most pressing.

Also read: Dikko Radda Reshuffles Cabinet to Boost Service Delivery

The President issued the order just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, tasking relevant security agencies to implement the directive immediately to strengthen the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime across Nigeria.

“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,” President Tinubu stated, emphasising that exceptional cases would be treated with approval.

He instructed the Ministry of Interior to liaise with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace police personnel withdrawn from VIP protection duties.

“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 also directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to form a committee to review the redeployment structure and ensure full implementation.

“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces that we can utilise,” he emphasised, while noting that civil defence personnel and forest guards should be armed to bolster security in vulnerable areas.

In a related move, President Tinubu instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to work through the National Economic Council (NEC) to identify grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements.

He described the reform as vital to ending perennial herder–farmer conflicts and creating economic opportunities.

“Converting grazing areas into viable agricultural and commercial hubs would create jobs, expand economic opportunities, and end conflict cycles,” he said, reminding state governments of their constitutional authority over land and urging full cooperation.

Also read: Oluremi Tinubu empowers farmers with vital support in Rivers

The directives form part of the administration’s broader security overhaul and agricultural modernisation agenda under the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at improving national security while transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a structured, economically productive system.