President Bola Tinubu has instructed ministers and senior officials to obtain his approval before requesting police escorts for official duties.
The directive was issued during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
Tinubu highlighted that security lapses often arise when officers are reassigned without proper planning for replacements, emphasising the need for enhanced coordination among agencies.
“I have informed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and I trust the Minister of Police Affairs is here to implement this directive.
“If you encounter any security issues due to the nature of your role, please consult the IGP and secure my clearance,” he reiterated.
The President also tasked the Minister of Interior with collaborating with the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to address gaps caused by officers assigned to special duties.
“The Minister of Interior should coordinate with the IGP and the Civil Defence structure to replace police officers on special security assignments, to ensure no one is left vulnerable.”
He instructed the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS) to review the nation’s security framework and implement necessary adjustments.
“The NSA and the DSS should provide further insights,” he stated.
Tinubu asserted that the directive must be enforced immediately due to increasing security threats nationwide.
The President acknowledged that some officials are at higher risk, adding that forest guards must also be equipped to enhance community protection.
“I recognise that some of our personnel face significant exposure, and we must make exceptional provisions for them.
“The Civil Defence is armed as well, and I wish to know from the NSA whether we should also arm our forest guards. This is a matter we need to take very seriously,” he said.
Tinubu further requested the Vice President to engage the National Economic Council regarding the revival of grazing reserves and the development of ranches as part of livestock reform.
He stated that addressing ongoing herder-farmer conflicts necessitates transforming viable lands into productive livestock hubs.
“We must eliminate the potential for conflicts and turn livestock reform into a viable economic development opportunity. The potential is there; let’s make use of it.”
He added that states must lead this initiative in accordance with constitutional land ownership.