Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has carried out a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties.
According to him, the officers have been deployed to communities in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to perform “core community policing functions”.
He said the move forms part of intensified security efforts under Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at protecting vulnerable communities in the north-central region following recent terrorist attacks, including one in Kwara that reportedly claimed about 75 lives.
Bola Tinubu had earlier condemned the Kwara killings as “beastly” and “heartless”, directing the full weight of state resources against those targeting civilians.
Idris said the enhanced deployments include improved intelligence gathering, rapid-response units, and increased visible policing around places of worship.
The minister added that the president has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations remain Nigerian-led, while welcoming selective international cooperation on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance from partners such as 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.