President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers to strengthen security across the country. This update was announced in a State House press release on Sunday, following a high-level security meeting in Abuja. The meeting involved the police, the Air Force, the army, and the Department of State Services. The presidency explained that this move is part of efforts to increase police presence, especially in communities with few officers.
According to the statement, President Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently guarding Very Important Persons. The press release noted that “henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.” It added that VIPs who still require protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The presidency highlighted that many remote areas lack enough policemen at their stations, making it difficult to protect residents effectively. It stated that “in view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.”
Alongside the approval to recruit 30,000 new officers, the federal government is working with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
Sunday’s meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on November 23, 2025.
