Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, has announced that the federal government will soon initiate the process of removing police personnel from VIP security duties. This decision is aimed at implementing a community policing strategy.

The minister stated this during a two-day retreat for the directorate cadre with of the ministry themed ‘Re: Envisioning the Ministry of Police Affairs for Effective Internal Security: Strengthening Administration and Management Functions for Resilience and Efficiency’. She said the key mandates of the ministry was developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing Mr President’s directive on the withdrawal of personnel from VIP among others.

The minister also emphasized that the mandates were not just ordinary tasks, but rather transformative initiatives that have the potential to improve internal security in Nigeria. She highlighted that the two-day management retreat will foster a shared dedication to align the efforts of the ministerial mandate with the goal of realizing the President’s vision for a revitalized and highly efficient Nigeria Police Force. She acknowledged that the Nigeria Police Force is currently facing significant challenges due to years of neglect, which have impeded its ability to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase, said that the Nigeria Police Force is fundamental to the ministry, as to the commission, adding that the principal mandate of both organizations was to ensure the smooth functioning and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force. In his welcome address, the permanent secretary,

Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Minister of Police Affairs, explained that the purpose of the retreat was to enhance the efficiency and performance of the Nigeria Police

Force in light of the current global dynamics. In a goodwill message, Mr. Annup Vyas, the representative of the British High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of the Conflict and Security Programme (Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin), expressed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s police reforms and willingness to further collaborate. He emphasized their interest in the future plans, adaptability, and identification of new opportunities that will address the needs of Nigeria’s system.