Tinubu approves recruitment of 30,000 police officers in security shake-up

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde

‎President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers as part of a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, the presidency announced Sunday.

‎The decision followed a high-level security meeting at the State House and was disclosed in a statement by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga.

‎As part of the reforms, police personnel currently deployed to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs) will be withdrawn and reassigned to regular policing duties-a move meant to bolster frontline security in communities where overstretched police units have long struggled to maintain law and order.

‎According to the presidency, VIPs who still require armed protection will now be expected to source such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

‎The federal government is also working with state authorities to upgrade police infrastructure and strengthen operational capacity nationwide, the statement added.

‎Further details on the rollout of the recruitment drive and redeployment plan are expected in the coming days.