Police Withdrawal from VIPs: Our lives in danger – lawmakers
Several Nigerian lawmakers have expressed deep concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police personnel attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs), insisting that the decision could endanger their lives amid surging insecurity nationwide.
During Wednesday’s plenary, senators debated a motion sponsored by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, drawing attention to worsening attacks and kidnappings across the country. The directive, which mandates police officers attached to VIPs to return to their bases, was heavily criticised as poorly timed.
Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North) argued that the withdrawal would leave public office holders exposed to terrorists and criminal gangs.
“Our lives are in danger,” he warned. “Criminals are becoming more desperate, and removing police protection now exposes us to unnecessary risks.”
READ ALSO: Senate prescribes death penalty for kidnappers
Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) echoed the concern, describing senators as “prime targets,” while several lawmakers noted that frequent travel for oversight activities makes personal security essential.
After extensive deliberations, the Senate resolved to engage the Presidency and police authorities to reconsider the directive in line with current security realities.
In a parallel session, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, also called for a review, citing rising kidnapping incidents across major highways. He revealed that many public officials already feel unsafe moving across the country, particularly after dark.
Kidnapping To Carry Death Penalty
In a separate resolution, the Senate declared that kidnapping should be classified as a terrorist act, carrying the maximum penalty of death. Lawmakers also proposed a bill to criminalise negotiations with kidnappers.
READ ALSO: Senate in heated debate over Nigeria’s growing security crisis
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that only the toughest punishment would deter kidnappers, while Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) described the security crisis as an “existential threat.”
Probes, Firearms Law Review, and Security Reforms
The Senate further mandated its security committees to investigate the withdrawal of soldiers in Kebbi before a recent school abduction, while calling for intelligence-based operations, aerial surveillance, and the establishment of a Joint Task Force for the Kwara–Kogi axis.
A proposal to review Nigeria’s firearms laws was also adopted, allowing responsible citizens to bear arms for self-defence.
States Must Complement Federal Efforts – Barau
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged state governments to support ongoing federal security initiatives through investment in surveillance and defence infrastructure.
“Insecurity is a collective challenge,” he said, calling for joint action to restore national stability.
READ ALSO: Senate passes 14-year jail term bill for lecturers who harass students
Barau also confirmed discussions on amending the Terrorism Act to include kidnapping, asserting that the move is both “necessary and long overdue.”
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