The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris says the Nigeria police force has carried out a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned VIP protection duties.
According to the minister, the operatives have been sent to communities in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to carry out “core community policing functions”.
He said the redeployment is part of intensified security measures under Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at protecting vulnerable communities in the north-central region, following recent terrorist attacks, including one in Kwara that claimed about 75 lives.
President Bola Tinubu had condemned the Kwara killings as “beastly” and “heartless”, while directing full state resources against perpetrators targeting civilians.
Idris said enhanced deployments now include better intelligence, rapid-response units, and increased visible policing around places of worship.
The information minister said the president has reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations remain fully Nigerian-led, while welcoming selective international cooperation on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance from partners like the United States.
“With heightened deployments now underway in at-risk communities, President Tinubu is demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives and upholding the fundamental right of all citizens to worship freely,” he said.
“Enhanced security around places of worship, including increased visible presence around churches on Sundays, is being implemented in close coordination with the local community and faith leaders.
“Further strengthening the security architecture, the Nigeria Police Force has executed a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties nationwide.
“These personnel have been returned to core community policing functions, delivering measurable improvements in security presence across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.”
On November 23, 2025, Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country.
