Only me can approve special security – Tinubu, as he reaffirms Ban on VIP Police Escorts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reiterated his directive ordering the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP escorts, warning that no minister or senior government official is permitted to retain special police protection without his explicit approval.

Speaking during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) session in Abuja, the President emphasized that the ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Police Force are aimed at strengthening national security, not providing personal security details for public office holders.

Tinubu told ministers that any official who feels exposed or believes additional security is necessary must submit a request that will be reviewed and cleared by him personally. He noted that the government’s priority is to deploy police personnel to critical national security duties rather than to individuals.

The President’s renewed stance comes as part of broader efforts to professionalize the police and address manpower shortages that have long affected community policing and frontline operations.

Tinubu assured officials that their safety remains important but stressed that the era of indiscriminate allocation of police escorts is over, as the administration works to rebuild public trust in law-enforcement agencies and ensure a more efficient security architecture.