Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive mandating the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs), describing the policy as a timely and commendable move but one that may never be fully enforced.
In a post shared on his X account on Sunday, Sani noted that the directive aligns with the nation’s urgent security priorities, especially at a time when police manpower is overstretched across the country. However, he expressed strong doubts regarding the sustainability and practical implementation of the policy, warning that it may “begin and end up as a statement” if not backed by decisive action.
According to Sani, Nigeria’s long history of unimplemented policy reforms raises concerns about whether this new directive will truly change the structure of police deployment or simply remain an announcement without impact.
Realtokng earlier reported that President Tinubu had ordered the withdrawal of all police personnel currently assigned to VIPs and instructed that they be redeployed to enhance security operations nationwide. The directive, conveyed through a statement issued by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the need for police officers to return to their core responsibilities rather than providing personal security to individuals.
Under the new security arrangement, VIPs seeking armed protection will now channel their requests through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a move aimed at freeing up more police officers for critical field operations.
President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of an additional 30,000 police personnel to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. The new recruits will reportedly be deployed to understaffed and remote communities where limited police presence has left residents vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Although the president’s directive has been widely viewed as a step toward rebuilding public safety and improving national security, Shehu Sani’s remarks highlight the skepticism shared by many Nigerians who have witnessed similar policies introduced in the past without meaningful enforcement.
For now, the nation waits to see whether the new policy will signal a genuine shift toward stronger security management or become, as Sani warned, another unfulfilled government pronouncement.
