“Our Lives Are in Danger”: Senators Warn Police Withdrawal from VIPs Heightens Security Risks

Senators voiced strong alarm on Wednesday over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive ordering police personnel attached to VIPs to return to their bases, warning that the measure could expose public officials to severe security threats amid escalating nationwide violence.

The concerns dominated deliberations after Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru presented a motion urging urgent federal action in response to rising attacks across several states. The directive had mandated the Special Protection Unit to withdraw officers from VIP assignments and redeploy them to core policing duties.

Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko argued that the withdrawal was coming at a dangerous time, noting that lawmakers and senior public officials remain prime targets for terrorists and criminal groups. He warned that removing police escorts would heighten their vulnerability, especially as incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks continue to surge.

Senator Tahir Monguno echoed the concerns, describing the directive as poorly timed during a period of heightened criminal activity. He said many lawmakers regularly travel to volatile areas and depend on security escorts for protection during official duties.

Several senators agreed that while the reform may have been well-intentioned, it failed to reflect the realities on the ground. They stressed that many of their colleagues move frequently between Abuja and their constituencies, often through high-risk routes.

The Senate resolved to engage the presidency and police authorities to revisit the policy and ensure any adjustments align with current security conditions. Leadership of the chamber is expected to meet the president to formally communicate its position.

In the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase also urged a review of the directive, saying the withdrawal of escorts could endanger public officials at a time when kidnapping has become rampant. He cited a recent video in which an alleged kidnapper threatened political leaders and noted that many officials already face daily risks, especially when traveling outside the capital.

He described major highways as unsafe, adding that he personally avoids traveling between Abuja and Jos after dusk due to repeated attacks.

Lawmakers further considered broader reforms to address worsening insecurity. The Senate agreed that kidnapping should be categorised as an act of terrorism and attract the death penalty once relevant laws are amended. It directed the drafting of a bill to eliminate judicial discretion in such cases.

During the debate, Senator Francis Fadahunsi called for the criminalisation of negotiations with kidnappers, while Senator Garba Maidoki questioned why the military has not apprehended known bandit leaders. Senator Abdul Ningi insisted that kidnappers must face the harshest penalties, describing kidnapping as an existential threat.

The Senate also ordered an investigation into alleged lapses that preceded a school abduction in Kebbi State, including reports that soldiers were withdrawn from the area beforehand. Lawmakers pushed for intelligence-driven operations, aerial surveillance and a new Joint Task Force for the Kwara–Kogi corridor.

On firearms regulation, senators supported a proposal to review existing laws to allow responsible citizens to legally possess ammunition. The motion stemmed from rising attacks in Kwara, Niger and Kebbi, including an assault on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku where several worshippers were killed and others abducted.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged states to deepen collaboration with federal security agencies, noting that national efforts will be more effective when supported at the subnational level. He said the president has been focused on strengthening security and welcomed state investments in surveillance and monitoring infrastructure.

Barau commended the president for cancelling a planned international trip to focus on domestic security and noted that stronger cooperation across all levels of government is essential to reversing the current trend. He also reiterated that improving training, equipment and funding for the police should take priority over debates about naming or restructuring security outfits.