…Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Safety
…Security Fears Trail New Directive
Daud Olatunji
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently review the directive withdrawing police officers attached to Very Important Persons, warning that the policy has heightened security risks for federal lawmakers and other public office holders.
Akpabio made the appeal on Friday during a joint sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja, shortly after President Tinubu presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The Senate President recalled that Tinubu, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs nationwide, directing that the officers be redeployed to frontline duties to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.
Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring protection are to seek armed cover from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the Nigeria Police Force.
Raising concern on the floor of the chamber, Akpabio said the directive, though driven by good intentions, had created fear among lawmakers, many of whom now feel exposed without armed police escorts.
“Only one concern, Mr President. As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some members of the National Assembly said I should let you know that they may not be able to go home today because they may be picked up,” Akpabio said, drawing murmurs from lawmakers.
He added, “On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision. May God bless you, may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and may God bless our National Assembly.”
The plea comes amid growing reactions and reported incidents following the withdrawal order. In several states, lawmakers and senior government officials were said to have cut short public engagements, while others reportedly avoided travelling to their constituencies over fears of attacks, kidnappings and political violence.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the directive has also unsettled the police hierarchy.
The Inspector-General of Police had ordered the arrest and sanction of officers found escorting unauthorised VIPs, leading to the abrupt withdrawal of police protection from politicians, business leaders and traditional rulers in some parts of the country.
In a few cases, officers were reportedly detained or queried after being sighted providing security to individuals considered non-essential.
Security analysts and civil society organisations have expressed divided opinions on the policy.
While some have hailed it as a bold move to free up police manpower for community policing, counter-insurgency and crime prevention, others warn that the sudden withdrawal, without a clear transition framework, may create security gaps that criminal elements could exploit.
A senior lawmaker, who spoke to PLATFORM TIMES on condition of anonymity, said the fear expressed by Akpabio reflected the reality on the ground.
“We are not against reforms, but many of us represent volatile constituencies. Going home without armed police in the current climate is risky,” he said.
However, a rights activist, Mr. Sadiq Lawal, cautioned against reversing the policy due to elite pressure. “For years, VIPs monopolised police officers while ordinary communities were left exposed.
The solution is to strengthen intelligence gathering and local security, not to return policemen to politicians,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Akpabio used the occasion to commend Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms since assuming office on May 29, 2023, assuring the President of the National Assembly’s support.
“Our national story has never been one of perfection. It has always been a story of perseverance,” Akpabio said.
“The National Assembly is ready for you. We share in the pain of the reforms and also in the applause of your reform agenda.”
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