The Federal Government has reassigned police officers previously attached to VIP escort duties to communities in Kwara State affected by recent terrorist attacks.
The move is part of a renewed effort to strengthen security in vulnerable areas and increase visible policing across the North-Central region.
FG Explains Why VIP Police Escorts Were Withdrawn
In a statement released on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the redeployment is connected to the ongoing security operations under Operation Savannah Shield.
He explained that the decision followed deadly attacks in parts of Kwara State, where about 75 villagers were reportedly killed.
According to Idris, the Nigeria Police Force has now withdrawn a significant number of officers from VIP protection assignments nationwide and redirected them to frontline duties.
Operation Savannah Shield Intensifies
The Minister said the strategy is aimed at boosting community policing and improving security response in communities considered high-risk.
He added that the redeployed officers will strengthen security presence not only in Kwara, but also in other parts of the North-Central region.
Tinubu Reacts: “Beastly and Heartless”
President Bola Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks, describing them as:
“Beastly, heartless and emblematic of a doomed campaign by terrorists who deliberately target soft subjects.”
The statement also revealed that the President ordered that the full weight of the Nigerian state be brought against anyone threatening peace and stability.
More Security for Worship Centres, Soft Targets
Idris further disclosed that additional security personnel are being deployed to exposed communities, including tighter protection around:
Places of worship
Public gatherings
Other soft targets
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to Nigerian-led counter-terrorism operations, while noting that Nigeria remains open to intelligence support and collaboration with international partners when necessary.
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