Launches Ranching Reform to Curb Conflicts
Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday issued a final and non-negotiable directive for the immediate compliance with the order to withdraw all police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs), VVIPs, and ministers across the country.
This is even as he ordered the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to take over the role of police.
The President, presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, declared the order “non-negotiable,” and mandated the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure strict implementation.
He stated that the primary duty of the Nigeria Police Force is the protection of the lives and property of all citizens, “particularly the most vulnerable in society,” and not the protection of a privileged few.
To fill the impending gap in close protection for entitled individuals, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to facilitate the replacement of the withdrawn police personnel with armed officers of the NSCDC, whom he noted are “trained for VIP protection.”
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the President told ministers, warning against any non-compliance. “NSA take this very seriously,” he emphasised.
“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. The entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities,” the President stated.
In a related drive to tackle one of the major sources of insecurity in the country, President Tinubu simultaneously launched a major initiative on livestock and ranching reforms.
He directed the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to sensitise state governors and stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms.
Specifically, the President ordered the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to immediately commence the mobilisation process, with priority attention to conflict-prone areas.
“The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable,” Tinubu said.
He stressed the constitutional dimension of land ownership, noting, “You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state,” thus placing responsibility on sub-national governments to provide land for these modern ranching schemes.
Presidency sources indicate that the twin announcements—security redeployment and agricultural reform—are interlinked components of a broader strategy to enhance public safety, reduce communal violence, and unlock economic potential within the livestock value chain.
The directives are expected to generate significant operational activity within the security services and the agriculture ministry in the coming days, with the NSA’s office tasked to oversee compliance.
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