President Tinubu Orders Ministers And Senior Officials To Get Clearance Before Police Escorts

President Bola Tinubu has ordered all ministers and senior government officials to secure his approval before requesting police escorts for official duties.

The directive was issued at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja. Tinubu said security gaps often arise when officers are reassigned without proper planning and called for tighter coordination among security agencies.

“I have told the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and I expect the Minister of Police Affairs to implement this directive. If you need security due to the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and obtain my clearance,” he stated.

The president also tasked the Minister of Interior with working alongside the IGP and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to replace officers deployed on special duties. “The minister of interior should ensure police officers on special duties are replaced so citizens are not left exposed,” he added.

Tinubu further directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the State Security Service (SSS) to review the country’s security framework and implement necessary adjustments. He emphasized the urgency of the directive given rising security threats across Nigeria.

Highlighting the protection of high-risk officials, Tinubu suggested equipping forest guards to strengthen community safety. “The civil defence are armed, and I want to know from the NSA if forest guards should also be armed. This matter must be taken seriously,” he said.

On agricultural security, he asked Vice President Kashim Shettima to collaborate with the National Economic Council on reviving grazing reserves and developing ranches to address