Hussaini Ibrahim 
President Bola Tinubu
KANO, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel, marking one of Nigeria’s most significant security reforms in recent years.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the approval late Sunday following a high-level security meeting attended by top service chiefs. He said the move is aimed at boosting police presence in underserved communities and strengthening nationwide response capacity.
“The President is determined to increase police presence in vulnerable communities, and this redeployment is central to that reform,” Onanuga stated.
In a major policy shift, Tinubu also ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs, directing that they be reassigned to mainstream policing duties. VIP security will now be handled by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Onanuga said the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to upgrade police training facilities. “This recruitment drive will significantly enhance operational strength and restore public confidence,” he added.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and DSS Director-General Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
Security analysts say the development comes at a time of rising attacks, kidnappings and community-level violence, with many calling for a comprehensive policing reform to address structural gaps.
The Presidency insists the new measure represents a long-term commitment to rebuilding public safety infrastructure while empowering local communities.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella 