BY ABDULKADIR M. LAWAN, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 12:19 PM

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that the order to redeploy police officers assigned to VIPs, VVIPs and ministers is not negotiable.

He made the statement on Wednesday at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber.

'If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,' he said.

The president instructed national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, minister of police affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Geidam and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to ensure implementation.

He noted that police are trained to protect lives and property of citizens, particularly the vulnerable, not to guard select VIPs.

Minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo will arrange replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.

'The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection and are armed,' Tinubu added.

He said police will be mobilised to address kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, and the security structure will be reviewed.

'We need all forces utilised. The civil defence is very much around,' he said.

The president noted that ministers must meet the Inspector General of Police to obtain clearance for any special assignment requiring police protection.

'NSA takes this very seriously,' he said.

President Tinubu urged Vice President Kashim Shettima to sensitise governors on ranching reforms.

Minister Idi Muktar Maiha was directed to start mobilisation for ranching in conflict‑prised areas.

'Identify villages or grazing areas that can be rehabilitated for ranching. Eliminate conflict and make livestock reform viable,' he said.

Implementation of ranching will reduce herder‑farmer conflicts and protect vulnerable members of society.