President Bola Tinubu's recent directive ordering the immediate withdrawal of police officers from Very Important Personality (VIP) protection duties has sparked significant opposition from federal lawmakers at the National Assembly.
Lawmakers Voice Security Concerns
During Wednesday's plenary sessions, at least two senators and one member of the House of Representatives openly criticized the presidential order, arguing that it would expose political figures to increased security risks. The lawmakers expressed concerns that the policy would make VIPs prime targets for terrorists and bandits who have been responsible for numerous kidnappings and killings across Nigeria.
President Tinubu had announced the security measure on November 26, 2025, declaring a nationwide security emergency in response to the country's deteriorating security situation. The president explained that withdrawn officers would undergo intensive retraining before being redeployed to areas with high security challenges.
Senators Lead Opposition Charge
Senator Aliyu Wamakko from Sokoto State strongly disagreed with the police withdrawal, predicting that the government would be forced to reverse the decision once VIPs become targets. "I am afraid I have to disagree with the idea of withdrawing police from VIPs. That is another danger, because the VIPs are going to be the next targets, and the government will come back and reverse the policy," Wamakko stated during the Senate proceedings.
Similarly, Senator Tahir Monguno representing Borno North condemned the directive as "dangerous and poorly timed." The APC senator emphasized that the order would particularly endanger lawmakers and other VIPs in regions experiencing heightened insecurity, making them prime targets for terrorist groups.
House of Representatives Joins Criticism
From the Lower Chamber, Honorable Idris Wase, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, urged President Tinubu to review the directive. Wase warned that the policy could lead to increased kidnappings rather than solving security problems. The lawmaker referenced a video where bandits explicitly threatened to begin targeting politicians, including even the president.
The coordinated opposition from both legislative chambers indicates growing concern among Nigeria's political class about their personal security amid the country's ongoing security challenges. The lawmakers' reactions suggest that Tinubu's security reform may face significant political resistance despite its intended purpose of optimizing police deployment.
