Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has declared his full support for the directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers attached to very important persons (VIPs) across the country. His remarks followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction on Sunday directing the removal of police personnel from VIP protection roles.
The presidency had earlier explained that the withdrawn officers would be redeployed to core policing functions as part of efforts to address rising insecurity. According to Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, the measure forms part of a broader national security strategy aimed at strengthening police efficiency and improving public safety.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, subsequently confirmed that 11,566 officers had been withdrawn in compliance with the presidential directive. He stated that the reassigned personnel would reinforce frontline security operations nationwide.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today, Ndume described the directive as one of Tinubu’s “most commendable decisions” and urged immediate implementation. He noted that many VIPs, including some ministers, had officers attached not only to themselves but also to their spouses and children.
Ndume said he expected to see an immediate reduction in police presence around government institutions. “We should see it on the ground,” he said, adding that he was surprised to still find numerous police officers around the National Assembly on Thursday.
The lawmaker revealed that he had personally rejected the number of officers previously assigned to him. “I was attached three policemen but that was a big crowd for me so I refused,” he said. He explained that he insisted on having only an orderly if any security personnel were to be assigned to him.
Ndume further argued that the role of an attached officer is primarily to monitor movement rather than provide personal protection. He maintained that all officers deployed to VIP security assignments should be withdrawn and returned to community policing functions.
He criticised what he described as excessive privilege among some public officials, noting that some lawmakers and ministers have police officers assigned to their wives and children. “What’s their business with that?” he asked.
The senator recalled visiting the home of a colleague and discovering “more than 10 policemen” assigned to him despite the colleague being junior to him in the Senate hierarchy. He added that some VIP convoys were so large that they created the impression that the president or vice-president was travelling.
Ndume argued that even the president’s own convoy required downsizing, insisting that national security resources should be focused on safeguarding communities rather than individuals. “Secure the place and when the president goes, you withdraw,” he said.
He concluded that Nigeria’s security architecture must prioritise territorial safety, noting that once a city like Abuja is effectively secured, residents would be able to move freely, including at night. He added that such an approach aligns with security practices in many other countries.
