- President seeks conversion of grazing reserves to ranches
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed his directive that police officers currently attached to VIPs be withdrawn and redeployed to conflict-prone areas.
The President insisted that the nation cannot afford to keep essential security manpower away from pressing security theatres.
He restated the order before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja.
President Tinubu urged relevant security agencies to immediately implement the directive to strengthen the ongoing fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent criminal activities across the country.
“I honestly believe in what I said, and I called on the IGP… If you have any security problems because of the nature of the assignment, please, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said, stressing that exceptional cases would be treated with approval.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior to liaise with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace police personnel withdrawn from VIP protection duties.
“The Minister of Interior should liaise with the IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that you don’t leave people exposed,” he said.
The President also instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to form a committee to review the structure and ensure full implementation of the redeployment plan.
“The NSA and the DSS are to provide further information and form themselves into a committee and review the structure. It should be effected,” he said.
Expressing concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping and terrorism, President Tinubu stated that all available manpower must be channelled into areas of need.
“We face challenges here and there: of kidnapping and terrorism. We need all the forces that we can utilise,” he stated.
Acknowledging that special circumstances may require security considerations for some individuals, the President insisted that other armed formations must take up such responsibilities.
“I know some of our people are exposed… The Civil Defence are equally armed and I want to know from the NSA to arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously,” he added.
Baring his mind on the livestock sector, President Tinubu instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to begin, through the National Economic Council (NEC), the process of identifying grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements.
The President described the reform as a crucial step in ending perennial herder–farmer conflicts.
“Again, special livestock reform… I think the Vice President should get the NEC first of all to see which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches, livestock settlement,” he said.
The President stressed that converting grazing areas into viable agricultural and commercial hubs would create jobs, expand economic opportunities and end conflict cycles.
“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the livestock reform into economically viable development. The opportunity is there. Let’s utilise it,” he said.
The President reminded state governments of their constitutional authority over land and urged them to cooperate in the process.
“If we emphasise the constitutional requirement, which says the land belongs to the states… whichever one they can salvage, convert to livestock villages or herders’ villages. Let us stop this conflict area and turn it into economic opportunities and prosperity,” the President said.
The renewed directive comes amid the administration’s ongoing security overhaul and the push to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry as part of broader agricultural reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
