A number of senators on Wednesday expressed strong reservations over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police personnel attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs), warning that the policy could endanger public officials at a time of worsening insecurity.
The concerns emerged during a heated debate on national security, prompted by a motion from Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru seeking urgent federal intervention.
The President recently instructed the Nigeria Police Force to recall officers deployed as VIP escorts and redeploy them to core policing duties. The Special Protection Unit subsequently issued a blanket order directing all affected officers to return to their bases.
However, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North) argued that the directive, though possibly well-intentioned, was poorly timed.
“Our lives are in danger. Criminals are becoming more desperate, and attacks are rising. Withdrawing police protection from senators and other VIPs now exposes us to serious risks,” Wamakko warned.
Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) echoed similar concerns, saying current conditions make public office holders prime targets for abductors and armed groups. He called the directive “dangerous and poorly timed.”
Several senators also noted that lawmakers frequently travel to vulnerable rural areas during oversight functions and constituency engagements, often depending on police escorts for their safety.
Following prolonged deliberations, the Senate agreed to formally engage the Presidency and police authorities on adjusting the policy to reflect present security realities. A meeting between Senate leadership and the President is expected soon.
In the House of Representatives, former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase also faulted the directive during a special session on insecurity. He warned that the withdrawal of police orderlies, without proper risk categorisation, could leave many public officials dangerously exposed.
Wase referenced a recent online video in which a suspected kidnapper threatened political leaders, noting that several lawmakers already avoid travelling after dark due to incessant attacks on major highways. He urged the government to clearly define exemptions and consider individual security assessments.
Kidnapping Classified as Terrorism
The Senate further resolved that all kidnapping-related offences be reclassified as acts of terrorism. Lawmakers agreed that kidnappers should face the death penalty under a proposed amendment to relevant laws, with no option for reduced sentencing.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) urged a prohibition on negotiating with kidnappers, while Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) questioned why security agencies had not apprehended bandit leaders whose identities were widely known.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) stressed the need for the stiffest punishments, declaring that “kidnapping must be branded a terrorist act.”
Investigating Kebbi Security Lapses
The Senate also mandated an investigation into reports that soldiers were withdrawn from a vulnerable location in Kebbi State shortly before a school abduction and the killing of a senior officer.
It called for intelligence-led operations, aerial surveillance, and stronger community-based intelligence networks. Lawmakers also proposed creating a Joint Task Force dedicated to the Kwara–Kogi corridor.
The Red Chamber will brief President Tinubu on its resolutions and expects security agencies to submit progress reports within one week.
Firearms Law Under Consideration
Senators signalled readiness to consider amendments to allow responsible citizens to own firearms. The proposal was adopted through a voice vote following a motion by Senator Ashiru, who cited a recent attack in Eruku, Kwara State, where three worshippers were murdered and 38 abducted.
States Must Support Federal Security Efforts
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged state governments to enhance collaboration with federal security agencies, saying insecurity must be tackled through joint efforts across all levels of government.
Barau argued that states can complement federal action by investing in surveillance systems for forests and vulnerable communities, which would strengthen rapid response efforts.
He praised President Tinubu for cancelling his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to prioritise domestic security and noted that recent rescue operations in Kebbi were successful due to improved coordination.
Barau also emphasised that strengthening the Nigeria Police Force—through training, logistics, and funding—should take precedence over debates about establishing state police. He confirmed that discussions on amending the Terrorism Act to classify kidnapping as a terrorist offence were already underway.
The Senate’s wide-ranging deliberations underscore the growing urgency around national security, with lawmakers pressing for reforms that balance public safety, official protection, and long-term counterterrorism strategy.
