…orders engagement of NSCDC to replace police on VIP guard duties
…seeks conversion of grazing reserves to ranches
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reiterated his directive for police officers assigned to VIP protection to be withdrawn and redeployed to conflict-prone areas, stressing that essential security manpower must be prioritised for the nation’s most pressing security challenges.
The President restated the order ahead of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, instructing relevant security agencies to immediately implement the redeployment plan to strengthen ongoing efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime nationwide.
“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 said, noting that exceptional cases would be treated with approval.
He directed the Ministry of Interior to liaise with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace officers withdrawn from VIP duties.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,” the President added.
President Tinubu also instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to form a committee to review the security structure and ensure full implementation of the redeployment plan.
“NSA and DSS to provide further information and form themselves into a committee and review the structure. It should be effected,” he said.
Highlighting the rising incidents of kidnapping and terrorism, the President stressed that all available security manpower must be deployed to areas of need.
“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces that we can utilise,” he said, while acknowledging that some individuals may require special protection. He added that other armed formations should take up such responsibilities.
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“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 emphasised.
On the livestock sector, President Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to work through the National Economic Council (NEC) to identify grazing reserves that could be converted into ranches or livestock settlements, describing the initiative as key to ending herder–farmer conflicts.
“Especially 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 highlighted that converting grazing areas into viable agricultural and commercial hubs would create jobs, expand economic opportunities, and resolve conflict cycles.
“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.
He further reminded state governments of their constitutional authority over land and urged full cooperation in the reform process.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
The renewed directives form part of the administration’s broader security overhaul and efforts to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
