Federal Government Redeploys Police from VIP Escorts to Strengthen North Central Security
In a significant shift of security resources, the Federal Government has executed a large-scale redeployment of Nigerian Police Force officers previously assigned to Very Important Persons (VIP) escort duties. This strategic move, announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on February 13, 2026, directly responds to the recent deadly terrorist attacks in Kwara State that left 75 villagers dead. The officers have been returned to core community policing functions across several security-prone states.
Minister Idris stated that the redeployment is a core part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, following President Bola Tinubu’s condemnation of the “beastly” and “heartless” Kwara assaults. The initiative has already yielded measurable improvements in security presence across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory. This action demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and, notably, safeguarding citizens’ right to worship freely, with enhanced police visibility around churches on Sundays.
The redeployment is integrated into a broader, coordinated offensive code-named “Operation Savannah Shield.” This operation entails the deployment of military personnel, police officers, and national forest guard units to reinforce assets in the theatre. These forces are supported by enhanced intelligence capabilities and rapid-response protocols, operating under the expanded mandate established when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on national security in November 2025. The president has directed security agencies to bring the full weight of the state against peace-threatening entities.
This reallocation of police from VIP escorts to frontline duties is expected to substantially improve public safety in vulnerable rural and semi-urban areas. The decision underscores a prioritization of communal security over individual protection details. As the Federal Government continues to open federal technical and security collaborations, this redeployment marks a pivotal step in addressing regional vulnerabilities. The move occurs amidst other national developments, such as when NNPC Ltd completes major projects and as various political figures, like Dickson, recuse self from certain proceedings. It reflects a broader imperative where leaders, from Dangote to Uzodimma, show commitment to national stability, even as institutions like the SEC target civil market infractions to ensure holistic governance.
