Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on July 4, 2025, Muntaka explained that the decision to withdraw the military personnel was in line with the government’s new policy, which aims to assign police officers to provide security for all high-ranking officials in the country.
“The EC herself… agreed that we were no longer going to use the military to provide civilian protection,” Muntaka stated, clarifying that the military detail had been replaced by a police team who now guard Mensa’s residence both day and night.
Muntaka further emphasized that the policy affects all officials who previously had military protection, including figures such as the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament.
“What we do generally is to provide security around every neighborhood. VVIPs like the chair of the Electoral Commission, she has a personal bodyguard,” he added.
The Minister also argued that military personnel are not suited to civilian security roles, stating that such assignments send the wrong message to the public.
He stated that police officers, trained for civilian duties, are more appropriate for the task.
Muntaka concluded that the decision is part of the government’s broader move to prevent the military from performing roles outside their primary duty of ensuring the country’s external security.