President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that banditry and kidnapping will be defeated in the country even as he promised that government will not relent to secure the country and its citizens.
The President’s message on Sunday night reads:
“You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.
“I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.
“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.
“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety-and under my watch ,we will secure this nation and protect our people.”
At a meeting with security chiefs, President Tinubu also directed the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, marking a major shift in the nation’s security structure.
Those in attendance included the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
The meeting was convened at a time the country is grappling with rising abductions and growing security threats, particularly in remote communities.
President Tinubu stressed that police personnel must now return fully to their primary duties of maintaining law and order, strengthening community safety, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.
Under the new directive, VIPs who require escorts or armed protection will no longer rely on the Nigeria Police Force.
READ ALSO: APC Governors back Tinubu’s security measures
Instead, they will request such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, which will take over that responsibility. The decision aims to address the critical shortage of police personnel in many communities where officers are either few or overstretched.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the President’s concern over the limited police presence in several parts of the country.
He stated that many police stations, especially in remote locations, currently operate with minimal manpower, reducing their ability to protect residents effectively.
To bolster security nationwide, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional officers into the Nigeria Police Force.
The federal government is also partnering with state governments to upgrade police training facilities across the country, enhancing the quality of personnel and ensuring improved operational readiness.
The President’s directive signals a renewed effort to refocus the nation’s policing system and close gaps caused by years of understaffing and diversion of officers to private protection duties. The move is expected to increase police visibility in communities and strengthen national security at a time of rising public concern.
The Conclave
