Senator Aliyu Wammako has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs), warning that the move could expose high-profile individuals to increased danger.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, Wammako said the policy could make VIPs the next targets of criminals.
“I have to disagree with the idea of withdrawing police from VIPs. That is another danger because the VIPs are going to be the next target,” he cautioned.
He urged the government to prioritise strategies aimed at eliminating bandits and criminal groups rather than reducing protection for key individuals.
“Nigeria should not submit to them; they should submit to Nigeria,” he added.
His remarks follow earlier reports that President Bola Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for VIPs nationwide.
Under the new directive—issued during a security meeting the President held on Sunday with the heads of the Police, Air Force, Army, and the Department of State Services—police personnel attached to VIPs will be redeployed to core policing duties.
VIPs who require protection going forward are expected to request specially trained, well-armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).