Mass abduction crisis: Tinubu pulls 100,000 policemen from VIPs

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of roughly 100,000 police officers currently assigned to VIPs and politicians, directing that they be redeployed to frontline security and counter-insurgency operations across the country.

The decision, announced after a high-level security meeting on Sunday in Abuja, is part of new measures to tackle the surge in mass abductions and terror attacks. According to the President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs needing security support will now be protected by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, allowing the police to refocus on core policing duties.

Nigeria’s Policing Gap

With a force of about 371,800 officers serving a population of more than 236 million, security experts and international reports have long warned that Nigeria faces severe policing shortages — worsened by the massive diversion of personnel to private protection instead of public safety.

The President also approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers and pledged upgrades to training facilities nationwide.

Outrage Over Niger School Attack

Tinubu’s directive comes amid controversy over the withdrawal of troops guarding St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, shortly before armed men abducted hundreds of students.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, and local leaders questioned why soldiers reportedly exited the school between midnight and 3am — less than an hour before the attackers struck. The Defence Headquarters said the incident is now under investigation, with a full review of troop movements underway.

Military Intensifies Rescue Operations

Commanders of Operation Fansan Yamma have ordered troops to maintain relentless pressure on the kidnappers. Senior officers say coordinated operations are ongoing and that forces are “closing in” on the abductors.

Community leaders expressed renewed hope after seeing top commanders visit the area.

Kebbi Orders Statewide School Shutdown

Amid rising fears, the Kebbi State Government has announced the immediate closure of all public and private secondary schools, as well as several tertiary institutions. Officials say the measure is temporary and necessary due to escalating security threats.

Security adviser Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.) criticised the trend of shutting schools as a long-term solution, warning that it could embolden criminal groups and worsen the region’s educational crisis.

50 Niger Schoolchildren Escape

In a rare moment of relief, the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State confirmed that 50 of the abducted pupils managed to escape between Friday and Saturday and reunited with their families. However, 253 students and 12 staff members remain in captivity.

Kwara Church Hostages Freed

All 38 worshippers kidnapped from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, have regained their freedom following a joint operation involving the Army, Police, DSS and local security groups. Officials credited President Tinubu for personally supervising the rescue and cancelling his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa.

Pope Calls for Release of Schoolgirls

Pope Leo XIV described the abductions in Nigeria as deeply saddening and urged the immediate release of all hostages, especially the schoolgirls taken in Kebbi and Niger states.

APC Raises Alarm Over “Coordinated Attacks”

The APC said the recent spike in kidnappings appears “organised and choreographed” to create panic ahead of the 2027 elections. The party stressed that the President has assumed direct control of the situation and will deploy every state instrument to restore order.

Calls for Internal Cleansing in Security Agencies

APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye urged the President and National Security Adviser to identify and prosecute saboteurs within the security system, warning that internal betrayal and external collaboration may be fuelling the crisis.