President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that 100,000 police officers currently assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs) and politicians be withdrawn and redeployed to core policing duties, including counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations. The decision aims to address growing insecurity across Nigeria.

The directive was issued during a security meeting held on Sunday in Abuja, attended by Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now receive security from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police.

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An estimated 100,000 officers are currently attached to VIPs nationwide, limiting the personnel available for public protection. The European Union Agency for Asylum reported in November 2025 that the Nigerian Police Force has a total strength of 371,800 officers serving a population of over 236 million, with policing gaps worsened by the diversion of personnel to VIP protection.

• “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for VIPs in the country. They will now concentrate on their core duties, boosting police presence in communities,” Onanuga said.

The President also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and directed the Federal Government to upgrade police training facilities across all states. Key security officials present at the meeting included Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu (COAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke (CAS), Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director-General Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

Controversy Over Troop Withdrawal at Niger School

The announcement follows reports that troops guarding St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, were withdrawn shortly before an attack that led to the abduction of dozens of students. Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris demanded explanations over the troop withdrawal, citing prior intelligence alerts provided by state authorities.

According to local reports, soldiers reportedly left the school around 3 a.m., while attackers struck less than 45 minutes later. Police personnel at the site also reportedly took cover due to the attackers’ overwhelming numbers.

Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the military is reviewing troop movements and will take corrective action if lapses are found.

Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Warrah Idris ordered intensified operations to locate the abductors. Troops were instructed to maintain relentless pressure until the students are safely recovered.

School Closures Amid Rising Insecurity

Following the abductions, Kebbi State closed all public and private secondary schools, as well as several tertiary institutions, to safeguard students and staff. Only the College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi, remained operational. Authorities emphasized that closures were precautionary due to the current security realities.

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Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), Special Adviser on Security to the Sokoto State Governor criticized blanket school closures as ineffective and warned that repeated disruptions could hinder education, increase poverty, and embolden criminal groups.

Rescue of Abducted Pupils and Worshippers

In a positive development, 50 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s School have escaped and reunited with their families, according to Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State. 236 pupils and 12 staff members remain in captivity.

Separately, 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State, were released following a joint operation involving the DSS, Nigerian Army, intelligence agencies, and police tactical teams. President Tinubu personally oversaw the rescue, canceling a scheduled G20 trip to South Africa.

Global and Political Reactions

Pope Leo XIV called for the immediate release of the abducted schoolgirls, describing the situation as a source of “immense sadness” and urging prayers for the hostages and their families.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) warned that the recent surge in abductions and attacks shows signs of an “organised, orchestrated” campaign designed to create nationwide panic ahead of the 2027 elections. Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, praised President Tinubu for taking full ownership of the crisis and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens.

• “Our military retains the institutional strength to confront these threats. Nigerians must remain vigilant and not allow insecurity to be exploited for political gains,” Duru stated.

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