Police officers acting as VIP security details have been ordered to leave their positions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, announced this on Monday during the ministry’s 2-Day Retreat for Directorate Cadre, which took place in Abuja.
According to her, the ministry’s responsibilities encompass modifying the Nigerian Police Act, creating and executing a unified report on police reform, and formulating a community policing approach for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said her ministry will soon carry out the presidential directives, saying that are not mere tasks but transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in the country.
She said: “The key mandates of the Ministry of Police Affairs are developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing Mr President’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy.
“These mandates are not mere tasks but transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria. This two-day management retreat will inspire a collective commitment to align efforts of the Ministerial mandate to contribute to the realization of Mr. President’s vision for a renewed, highly effective Nigeria Police Force.
“The Nigeria Police Force finds itself at a critical juncture and currently struggling with the consequences of decades of neglect that have hindered its ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
“The Ministry of Police Affairs has also not been spared. However, given Mr. President’s commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry is now positioned at the forefront of the Police transformation agenda, and it must rise to the challenge.
“The Ministry must bear this weighty responsibility of ensuring coordination and creating the enabling frameworks to steer the Nigeria Police Force towards improved technical and operational effectiveness.”
