President Bola Tinubu has directed ministers and senior government officials to obtain his approval before requesting police escorts for official duties. The directive was given on Wednesday, December 10, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu said the new measure was necessary due to security lapses that occur when officers are reassigned without proper replacement plans, stressing the need for better coordination among security agencies.
“I have told the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and I hope the Minister of Police Affairs is here to implement the directive. If you have any problem with security because of the nature of your assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.
The President also instructed the Minister of Interior to collaborate with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to fill gaps created when officers are deployed for special duties.
“The minister of interior should liaise with the IGP and Civil Defence to replace those police officers on special assignments so that people are not left exposed,” he said.
Tinubu further directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to review the nation’s security architecture and implement necessary adjustments.
Citing heightened security threats, the President emphasized the urgency of enforcing the directive. He acknowledged that some officials face high exposure risks and said forest guards may also need to be armed to strengthen community security.
“I know some of our people are exposed… The civil defence are equally armed, and I want to know from the NSA if we are to arm our forest guards too. We should take it very seriously,” he noted.
Tinubu also asked the Vice President to work with the National Economic Council to revive grazing reserves and establish ranches as part of broader livestock reforms aimed at resolving herder–farmer conflicts.
“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the livestock reform into economically viable development. The opportunity is there — let’s utilize it,” he said, adding that states must drive the process in line with constitutional land ownership.