Bandits Threaten National Assembly Members, Lawmaker Raises Alarm
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, has raised a serious security concern, revealing that bandits are now directly threatening to abduct members of the National Assembly. The lawmaker made this shocking disclosure during Wednesday's resumption of debate on national security in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
Urgent Appeal to President Tinubu
In response to these grave threats, Honorable Wase made an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his recent directive ordering the withdrawal of police operatives attached to Very Important Personalities across the country. The lawmaker emphasized that the current security situation makes such protection necessary for public officials.
The presidential directive was issued on Sunday, November 23, during a crucial security meeting in Abuja that was attended by Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services. During this meeting, President Tinubu ordered that police officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties be immediately withdrawn and redeployed to focus on core police responsibilities.
New Security Arrangements and Implications
As a direct result of this presidential order, the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force instructed all officers attached to VIPs and beats nationwide to return to their bases immediately. This significant policy shift means that VIPs requiring armed security protection will now need to formally request such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) instead of the police.
The Presidency has clarified that this strategic move aims to strengthen police presence in local communities, particularly in remote areas where police stations frequently operate with inadequate staffing. This redeployment is intended to better protect ordinary citizens who remain vulnerable to various security threats, including bandit attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes that have plagued several regions of the country.
However, Representative Wase's urgent appeal highlights the complex security challenges facing the nation, where both public officials and ordinary citizens require adequate protection from escalating security threats. The lawmaker's revelation about direct threats against National Assembly members underscores the delicate balance needed in security policy decisions.
