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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to ministers and other senior government officials, directing that the personnel be redeployed to core policing duties across the country. The directive was issued on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the President emphasized the urgent need to strengthen national security by optimizing the deployment of law enforcement officers. Tinubu said he would rather see police officers performing essential security responsibilities than serving as personal escorts to VIPs. “I would rather offer police officers from the VIP Protection or Very Very Important Persons Unit to perform real policing duties,” he stated. “I honestly believe in what I have said, and I call on the Inspector-General of Police—and I hope the Minister for Police Affairs is here—to take note.” The President explained that the decision was aimed at ensuring that the nation’s security resources were used more efficiently and that policing efforts remained focused on emerging threats. Read Also: Tinubu Gets 2027 Endorsement as Bagwai, Shanono APC Reaffirm Support for Ganduje FG Ends Physical Cash Payments, Orders PoS Deployment Across MDAs in 45 Days Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements Amid Nationwide Security Emergency “If you have any problem related to the nature of your assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu added. “The Minister for Interior, along with the IGP and the Civil Defence structure, should replace those police officers who are on special security duties so that we don’t leave people exposed.” Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide additional intelligence and set up a committee to review the existing security structure. “The first challenge is kidnapping and terrorism. We need all the forces that we can deploy,” he said. “I know some of our people are exposed, and we must make exceptional provisions for them. The Civil Defence officers are equally armed, and I want the NSA to take it very seriously, even to the point of arming our forest guards.” The President further tasked the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, to fast-track the livestock reform initiative as part of efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders. “Especially on livestock reform, I think the Vice President should get NEC to identify which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches,” he said. “We must eliminate the possibility of conflict and turn livestock reform into an economically viable development.” Tinubu emphasised that the reform must operate within the constitutional boundaries of state-controlled land. “Whichever land they can salvage, convert it to livestock villages or other viable ventures,” he said. “Let us stop these conflict areas and turn them into economic opportunities and prosperity.”

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to eliminate physical cash transactions and fully adopt Point of Sale (POS) machines and other electronic payment platforms within the next 45 days. The directive, issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), forms part of a wide-ranging reform aimed at closing revenue leakages, strengthening accountability, and improving transparency in public financial management. According to the circular signed by the Accountant-General, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, all MDAs must immediately configure and deploy POS terminals for revenue collection, while paper-based receipts are to be replaced with electronic receipts beginning January 2026. Read Also: FG Announces 50 Tax Exemptions, Reliefs for Low-Income Earners, SMEs, Effective January 2026 DMCSA Reforms Deliver Strong Results as Agency Clears Debts, Boosts Operations Credible People’s Movement Urges Kano Residents, Politicians to Prioritise State’s Interest The OAGF noted that the Federal Treasury has activated a Treasury Monitoring and Compliance Team (TMCT) to ensure strict enforcement of the policy across government institutions. Mrs. Madein explained that the measure aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to modernizing government transactions and deepening the cashless economy. She added that any MDA that fails to comply with the new directive will face sanctions in accordance with extant financial regulations. The circular also announced the rollout of a new Revenue Assurance and Monitoring System designed to track payments in real time and provide government with a clearer picture of revenue performance across all sectors. The OAGF reiterated that the reforms are expected to enhance efficiency, reduce fraud risks, and improve citizens’ experience when transacting with government agencies.

The Nigerian Army has frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision comes in response to escalating insecurity across the country, with over 600 kidnapping cases recorded in November alone. Major incidents included the abduction of more than 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State. President Tinubu had, on November 26, declared a national security emergency, directing the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies to intensify recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel to tackle worsening threats. To support the expanded operational demand, an internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff announced the immediate suspension of retirements. The circular explained that while officers ordinarily retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotions and conversion boards, the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024 allows extensions when required “in the interest of the service.” The memo stated that the President’s declaration necessitated urgent manpower expansion, making it “expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.” Read Also: ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC The suspension affects officers who have failed promotion exams three times, been passed over multiple times at promotion boards, reached rank age ceilings, failed conversion boards thrice, or completed 35 years in service. Officers who wish to continue serving beyond their scheduled retirement dates may apply for an extension. However, those who choose not to remain are permitted to proceed with standard retirement procedures. The memo noted that officers granted extensions will not be eligible for promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental postings during the period. Commanders have been directed to communicate the directive to personnel and ensure effective morale management. The Army added that the policy will be reviewed once national security conditions improve.  

The Progressive Institute (TPI), the think-tank arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has concluded a five-day capacity-building programme for staff of the party’s Treasury Department at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja. The training, held at the TPI Boardroom from Monday, December 1, to Friday, December 5, 2025, focused on enhancing participants’ competence in budgeting, forecasting, planning, and cost/budgetary control to strengthen organizational efficiency. Speaking at the closing session, the Director General of TPI, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, commended the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for prioritizing the professional development of the party’s workforce. He said the initiative represents the first time a ruling party leadership has empowered its training arm to build internal capacity among party staff. Read Also: Kano Online Chapel Reaffirms Commitment to Ethics, Condemns Blackmail Journalism — Dangambo Dr. Adebayo described the APC leadership under Professor Nentawe as an “intellectual political class” committed to strengthening institutional standards within the party. He also applauded the dedication and work ethic of TPI staff, noting that the Institute is privileged to have highly committed personnel. He specifically recognized the Director of Programs, Malami Sanusi Kiru; the Director of Finance, Dr. Ibor Bassey; and the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Ego Queen-Ezuma, for their contributions to the success of the programme. At the end of the training, certificates were presented to all participants from the APC Treasury Department. The Head of Media Unit, Wale Abideen, issued the statement on behalf of TPI.

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence. The former Chief of Defence Staff arrived at the State House forecourt at about 3:47 p.m. on Thursday before being ushered into the President’s office, where he took the oath of office. His swearing-in comes a day after the Senate confirmed his nomination following a rigorous five-hour screening session. During the screening, lawmakers questioned Musa over recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17. He assured senators that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office. Read Also: Tinubu Nominates Ibas, Dambazau, Ex-Governor’s Wife, Others as Ambassadors Court of Appeal Affirms Ruling Restricting VIO from Seizing Vehicles, Issuing Fines New Zonal Police PRO Takes Over at Kano Zone One Command The retired general also pledged to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks targeting senior military officers in recent months. Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly on health grounds. A seasoned infantry officer, Musa previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai—the North-East counter-insurgency theatre—and later as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff. In those roles, he coordinated joint operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents and bandit networks until his retirement in October 2025. His military career spans multiple command and staff appointments across formations and tri-service headquarters, giving him extensive experience in field combat operations, training, and joint operational planning.