Tinubu Orders Withdrawal Of 100,000 Police From VIPs As Security Crisis Deepens

Suspected armed bandits, mass abductions, troop withdrawals, and mounting public anxiety have pushed the nation into a sharp security reckoning and the Presidency has moved.

In a sweeping directive issued after a high-level security meeting in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of no fewer than 100,000 police officers currently attached to VIPs and politicians. These officers will be reassigned to frontline duties, from community policing to counter-insurgency operations.

According to Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, VIPs who still require escorts will henceforth be protected by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, freeing the police for core national security responsibilities.

The move follows years of failed promises by previous Inspectors-General to reverse the trend. A 2025 European report estimated Nigeria’s police strength at 371,800 officers a number heavily diluted by the diversion of personnel to private protection rather than public safety.

Onanuga added that the President also approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel and an upgrade of training facilities nationwide.

Outrage Over Troop Withdrawal Before Niger School Abduction

Across the North, tension remains high after the abduction of schoolgirls from St. Mary Private Schools in Papiri, Niger State. Reports that soldiers pulled out minutes before the attack have triggered anger and demands for accountability.

Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris, citing prior intelligence warnings, questioned why troops allegedly left their post around 3am — less than an hour before gunmen stormed the school. Community leaders in Maga echoed the concern, confirming that soldiers withdrew shortly before the attackers arrived.

The Defence Headquarters has now launched a full investigation into the troop movements, promising corrective action if lapses are confirmed. Meanwhile, rescue efforts are intensifying.

Military Ramps Up Search For Abducted Schoolgirls

Theatre Commander Maj. Gen. Warrah Idris has directed troops under Operation Fansan Yamma to maintain “overwhelming pressure” on the armed group holding the children. Senior officers say they are closing in, and community leaders express renewed hope after commanders visited the area.

Kebbi Shuts All Secondary Schools Amid Rising Attacks

Fear rippled across Kebbi State on Sunday as authorities ordered the immediate shutdown of all public and private secondary schools — one of the broadest closures in recent memory. Tertiary institutions, except the College of Nursing Sciences, were also directed to suspend academic activities.

Officials say the move is precautionary, but critics argue that shutting schools empowers bandits and threatens the region’s future. Security adviser Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.) warned that repeated closures deepen poverty and undermine long-term development, urging more strategic interventions beyond military action.

50 Niger Schoolgirls Escape As Anxiety Persists

In a rare stroke of relief, 50 of the abducted pupils from Papiri escaped between Friday and Saturday and reunited with their families. Still, 253 students and 12 staff members remain in captivity, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State.

The mass kidnapping had prompted Governor Mohammed Bago to order the closure of schools across the state.

Kwara Church Kidnappers Release All 38 Victims

There was another breakthrough in Kwara State as the 38 worshippers abducted from a church service in Eruku regained their freedom after an intense, multi-agency rescue operation. President Tinubu reportedly shelved his G20 trip to South Africa to oversee the security response.

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq hailed the coordinated effort involving the DSS, military, intelligence agencies and multiple police tactical units.

Pope, APC, And Leaders React To Worsening Insecurity

Pope Leo XIV expressed “immense sadness” over the kidnappings in Nigeria and Cameroon, calling for the immediate release of all hostages and urging prayers for safer schools and churches.

The ruling APC described the pattern of attacks as “organised and orchestrated,” warning of attempts to trigger chaos ahead of 2027. Party official Nze Chidi Duru insisted the President is firmly in control and will deploy every tool necessary to protect Nigerians.

In Osun, APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye urged the government to root out saboteurs allegedly undermining military operations, insisting that internal betrayal must be addressed urgently.