By Ono Yima
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reorganisation of Nigeria’s security architecture as part of intensified efforts to confront escalating insecurity nationwide, including rampant kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and farmer-herder clashes.
The directive, issued during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, calls on the Inspector-General of Police, the heads of all security agencies, and the National Economic Council (NEC) to implement a series of coordinated actions aimed at strengthening frontline security deployment, empowering community safety structures and transforming livestock management across the country.
Security Manpower Reallocation and New Mandates
President Tinubu reaffirmed his earlier order for the immediate withdrawal and redeployment of police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs), insisting that the directive must be fully effected to maximise manpower for core security duties in conflict ridden areas.
“I honestly believe in what I said… It should be effected. We face challenges of kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces that we can utilise,” the President told Cabinet members, noting that exceptions will be made only under direct clearance from the Inspector General of Police.
To ensure the safety of officials who may still require personal protection, Tinubu directed the Minister of the Interior to coordinate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force to replace withdrawn officers with adequately trained and armed civil defence personnel where necessary.
Empowering Forest Guards as Frontline Responders
In a significant shift in Nigeria’s security strategy, President Tinubu has authorised the arming of forest guards nationwide—empowering them to serve as frontline responders in rural and forested zones that have increasingly become hideouts for criminal networks.
“Civil defence are equally armed, and our NSA should arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously,” the President said, stressing the need for every available force to be effectively deployed against banditry, kidnapping and insurgent activities.
This directive underscores federal efforts to transform forest security operatives into a more functional and better resourced component of the broader national security architecture—a move that analysts believe could enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities in remote areas.
Ranching Reform and Economic Security Agenda
Beyond immediate security measures, President Tinubu tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima with leading a livestock reform initiative through the National Economic Council, urging the identification and rehabilitation of existing grazing reserves and settlements into functional ranches and modern livestock communities.
The policy aims to address the long standing conflict between farmers and herders by creating structured livestock settlements that would reduce open grazing and associated clashes, while simultaneously unlocking economic opportunities within the livestock sector.
“We must eliminate these areas of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable… the opportunity is there; let’s utilise it,” the President said, emphasising that land allocation for ranching falls within the constitutional remit of state governments.
Broader Security Implications
The expanded security blueprint coincides with a period of heightened national concern over violent crime. Government data and recent operations point to persistent threats from kidnapping rings and terrorist cells operating out of forested corridors in states such as Kebbi, Kwara and Niger.
In addition, the president’s decision to withdraw police from VIP protection duties comes amid a broader national push to reinforce frontline policing and community safety—a policy that has already seen the recall of over 11,000 officers to active duty across conflict zones.
Security analysts note that while bolstering forest guards and repurposing grazing reserves are positive steps, the success of these initiatives will hinge on clear operational guidelines, targeted training, and sustained resource support across federal, state and local actors.