Tinubu Moves Against VIP Escort Abuse as Soyinka Condemns Seyi’s Convoy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intensified enforcement of his directive to withdraw police officers from VIP escorts, following national outrage triggered by Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka’s criticism of the massive convoy attached to Seyi Tinubu in Lagos.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the President ordered all security agencies to ensure full and immediate compliance with the withdrawal policy, warning that Nigeria can no longer afford to divert thousands of police officers from core security duties while citizens face kidnappers and violent crimes daily.
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Soyinka had described Seyi’s security entourage as a “battalion large enough to take over a small country,” faulting the culture of inherited privilege where children of leaders enjoy state-backed power structures.
Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, DSS, the Interior Ministry, and the Inspector-General of Police to reassign officers to community policing, investigations and frontline security operations. He also ordered the deployment of NSCDC personnel to replace withdrawn police escorts to avoid exposing certain officials to danger.
The President further mandated the arming of forest guards and instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to activate the National Economic Council towards turning grazing reserves into ranches — a move meant to curb farmer–herder conflicts and reduce rural insecurity.
The order to withdraw police from VIPs was first issued after nationwide kidnappings, but implementation has been slow. Lawmakers such as Senator Abdul Ningi claimed their escorts were removed while others still enjoy full protection.
The Senate leadership, however, backed the President’s decision, saying the reform aligns with global standards and is key to restoring policing efficiency.
With rising insecurity and public frustration over VIP privilege, Tinubu’s enforcement directive marks one of the boldest steps yet in redirecting Nigeria’s overstretched police force back to real service delivery.
