President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers nationwide to strengthen efforts against rising insecurity, the Presidency disclosed on Sunday.
In a statement signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu also directed the withdrawal of police officers assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs), mandating their redeployment to core policing duties, particularly in underserved communities.
The statement quoted the President as saying the directive is aimed at enhancing national security and ensuring that citizens, especially those in remote areas, receive adequate protection.
“Police authorities will now focus on their core duties. VIPs requiring protection should henceforth request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),” the statement added.
Onanuga explained that the decision was made in view of the current security challenges facing the country, with the President seeking to boost police presence across all communities.
The Presidency also said the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to upgrade police training facilities to improve preparedness and operational efficiency.
The approval comes amid escalating attacks on schools, religious centres, and security personnel across the country. Most of the incidents have occurred in northern Nigeria, which comprises 19 of the country’s 36 states.
On Sunday, gunmen killed five policemen in an ambush by armed bandits in Sabon Sara village, Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
On Monday, armed men invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu area of Kebbi State, abducting at least 24 schoolgirls and killing the school’s vice principal.
On Friday, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s School, a Catholic mission school in Agwara, Niger State, abducting over 300 students and staff.
On Tuesday, attackers struck a church in Eruku, Kwara State, killing at least two worshippers and abducting several others.
In north-eastern Borno State, terrorists recently ambushed a military team, killing a brigadier-general and four other security officials. Several armed groups with differing motives operate across the country, contributing to worsening insecurity.
The escalating security challenges also prompted President Tinubu to cancel his trip to South Africa for the G20 Summit. The Presidency said on Friday that Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him, remaining in Nigeria to receive security briefings following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.