There was tension in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers strongly protested the withdrawal of police orderlies attached to them. The protest was led by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who accused the police authorities of implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive in a selective and unfair manner.
The lawmakers argued that the decision had exposed them to serious security risks at a time when insecurity is on the rise across the country. They also insisted that members of the National Assembly should not be treated as “scapegoats,” especially when many top government officials, business leaders and even celebrities still move around with heavy police protection.
President Tinubu recently ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police orderlies from Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide. The directive was part of government efforts to address rising insecurity by redeploying police personnel to core policing duties.
Under the directive, officers attached to VIPs were instructed to return to their bases, especially those serving under the Special Protection Unit (SPU). The aim was to free up more officers for public security operations, as many operational units have complained of manpower shortages.
Nigeria has faced growing security challenges in recent years, including kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and violent crime. Many citizens have criticised the large number of police officers assigned to politicians and VIPs, arguing that such protection should be reduced so that more officers can serve the general population.
However, lawmakers say the move, though well-intentioned, is being implemented without fairness and without considering the rising threats they face as public officials.
In a passionate speech on the Senate floor, Senator Ningi said the only police orderly attached to him was withdrawn early Wednesday, yet many other VIPs around the country still enjoy full security protection.
According to him, “It should be done across the board. Let’s see what happens from the Office of the President to the Vice President, to the Senate President, to the Speaker of the House, to the ministers.”
He added that he had seen ministers moving around with convoys filled with security personnel. He also mentioned that many business owners, including foreign nationals and their companies, still have police escorts. Even children of top politicians, he said, continue to enjoy police protection.
Ningi stressed that he could personally take care of himself, but insisted that fairness must prevail.
“I cannot ever imagine that a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will have his only orderly withdrawn while others keep theirs. Let me not see governors, ministers and business tycoons being escorted by security personnel,” he said.
He called on the Senate President to direct the Committee on Police Affairs to investigate why the directive appeared to be implemented selectively.
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, assured lawmakers that their concerns were valid and already being addressed. He said the Senate leadership had discussed the matter and was working to convince the presidency to exempt National Assembly members from the directive.
“I want to assure you that the issue raised to protect you is taken seriously,” he said. “We have a listening President. By the grace of God, he will save us from that order, which was given in good faith.”
Barau added that providing security to lawmakers aligns with global practice, as legislators in many countries are recognised as high-risk public figures.
This is not the first-time senators are raising concerns about the withdrawal of police protection. On November 26, several lawmakers expressed fear that the directive could expose them to grave danger, especially at a time when insecurity is worsening across many parts of the country.
During a debate on national security, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC, Sokoto North) warned that withdrawing escorts from government officials and VIPs was ill-timed.
“Our lives are in danger. At a time when criminals are becoming more desperate, withdrawing police protection exposes us to avoidable risks,” he said.
Wamakko argued that senators and other public officials are high-value targets for kidnappers, terrorists and criminal gangs. According to him, removing their protection could encourage attacks.
Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) also shared the same concerns, stating that the security situation is worsening with criminals becoming more emboldened.
“The withdrawal of security from VIPs will expose many of us to unnecessary danger. Removing police protection now is like opening us up to attacks,” he said.
Nigeria has seen increasing cases of kidnappings, attacks on highways, and violent incidents across several states. Many lawmakers represent areas deeply affected by insecurity. Some have previously reported threats to their lives during constituency visits.
As a result, the directive to withdraw their police protection has triggered fear and frustration within the National Assembly. Many lawmakers believe they are being unfairly targeted, while other VIPs—especially top officials in the executive arm—continue to enjoy full security coverage.
Senator Ningi and others insist that they are not opposed to the President’s directive. Their major concern is that the enforcement should be uniform.
“If the idea is to free up police personnel for national security, then the withdrawal must start from the highest levels,” Ningi argued.
He stressed that governors, ministers, business moguls, and even entertainers should not receive special treatment while lawmakers are left exposed.
The Senate Committee on Police Affairs is expected to engage the police authorities to understand how the directive is being enforced and to seek an exemption for lawmakers.
The Presidency may also issue further clarification in the coming days, especially as the directive continues to generate tension among federal lawmakers.
For now, many senators remain without police protection, and they fear that the situation could worsen if urgent action is not taken.
