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| Idris Wase |
By Oluchi Omai
A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over a controversial security directive, warning that recent orders to withdraw police protection from Very Important Persons (VIPs) could expose lawmakers and possibly ordinary citizens to heightened danger.
What’s happening: the policy shift
On 23 November 2025, the Bola Tinubu administration issued a directive mandating the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIP protection; those officers are to return to “core police duties.”
Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring security must now request protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), instead of the Nigeria Police Force. The move was explained as necessary to redeploy police resources to underserved communities — many of which face serious security gaps.
Concern from lawmakers
During a session in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase described the situation as dire. He urged President Tinubu to revisit the decision — arguing that with mounting threats from bandits and kidnappers, the removal of police protection may leave lawmakers and other high-risk individuals vulnerable.
Wase called for clarity on how “VIP” status will now be defined, warning that failure to protect public officials could embolden criminal elements targeting legislative figures and, by extension, institutions.
Broader Context: Nigeria’s Surge in Violence
The plea from Wase comes against a backdrop of worsening security across the country, including mass abductions of schoolchildren and frequent attacks by armed bandits on rural communities.
Critics of the VIP-security withdrawal say the policy may have unintended consequences: while the aim is to boost community policing, the sudden removal of protection from high-profile individuals could undermine stability, especially if the NSCDC lacks the resources or mandate to provide equivalent security.
What this could mean
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Shift in security burden: Many VIPs may now depend on NSCDC, leading to uncertainty and potential delays in response times if threats arise.
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Increased risk for lawmakers: Given threats of abduction and attacks on representatives, the withdrawal may undermine the sense of security within federal institutions.
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Impact on public trust: Communities that already feel under-protected might see this move as favouring officials over ordinary citizens, fuelling discontent.
Why it matters
While the directive aims to rebalance police deployment in favour of underserved areas, the timing amid rising violence and mass abductions raises serious questions about institutional safety and effectiveness. As Wase’s remarks suggest, the consequences of this policy could reverberate far beyond VIP circles, potentially undermining national efforts to restore security and public confidence.
Source: Channels Television
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