Several senators on Wednesday expressed worry over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove police officers assigned to VIPs, saying the move could put them in serious danger.
Their concerns came during a Senate discussion on rising insecurity, following a motion by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, who called for urgent action from the federal government.
Recently, President Tinubu ordered police officers attached to VIPs to return to their normal duties and focus on general security in the country. The Special Protection Unit was told to withdraw all officers guarding VIPs nationwide.
During the debate, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North) said the decision came at the wrong time because insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. He explained that public officials are major targets for kidnappers, terrorists, and criminals.
“Our lives are at risk. With crime rising, removing police escorts from senators and other VIPs is dangerous. This decision needs to be reviewed,” he said.
Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) agreed, saying that removing police protection now could put many officials in life-threatening situations. He noted that criminals are getting bolder and frequently target political leaders.
Other senators shared the same opinion, saying that even though the decision may be meant to improve policing, it does not reflect the current reality of insecurity in the country. Many lawmakers said they travel often to unsafe areas and depend on their escorts for protection.
After the debate, the Senate agreed to meet with the president and the police to discuss changing or adjusting the policy based on the country’s security situation.
In the House of Representatives, former deputy speaker Ahmed Idris Wase also called for a review of the directive. He warned that kidnapping is increasing and public officials could become easier targets without protection. He said criminals have already threatened politicians in recent videos.
He added that travelling on major roads is now very dangerous and shared that he personally feels unsafe travelling between Abuja and Jos after 6pm due to frequent attacks.
Wase also urged the government to clearly define which VIPs should keep their police escorts and which can safely do without them.
Senate calls for death penalty for kidnappers
The Senate also agreed that kidnapping should be treated as terrorism and that convicted kidnappers should face the death penalty. Lawmakers said courts should not have the option to reduce the punishment or replace it with a fine.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi suggested making negotiations with kidnappers illegal. Senator Garba Maidoki said authorities already know where many bandits are hiding and questioned why they have not been arrested.
Senator Abdul Ningi said the strongest punishment must be applied to kidnappers, and Senator Sadiq Umar warned that insecurity now threatens Nigeria’s survival.
Senate probes troop withdrawal before Kebbi abduction
The Senate also ordered an investigation into reports that soldiers were withdrawn from a high-risk area in Kebbi State shortly before a school kidnapping and the death of a senior military officer.
The Senate called for stronger military operations, including aerial surveillance and community intelligence networks, and proposed creating a new Joint Task Force for the Kwara–Kogi axis, which has become a kidnapping hotspot.
Senate leaders will meet President Tinubu soon to present their recommendations and follow up on actions within one week.
Lawmakers consider allowing trained citizens to own firearms
Senators also discussed updating firearm laws to allow responsible citizens to own guns for protection. The proposal was supported through a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
States must work with federal government — Barau
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged state governments to help the federal government fight insecurity. He said President Tinubu is already making efforts but cannot solve the problem alone.
He encouraged states to invest in surveillance technology and equipment to support police and the military.
Barau praised Tinubu for cancelling his trip to South Africa to focus on security and rescue kidnapped victims in Kebbi.
On state police, Barau said the focus should be on providing proper funding, training, and equipment—not just changing the name of security agencies.
He also confirmed discussions about updating the Terrorism Act to classify kidnapping as terrorism.
