The senator representing Borno south, Ali Ndume, says he strongly supports the directive ordering the removal of police officers attached to very important persons (VIPs).
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu ordered that police personnel assigned to VIPs across the country be withdrawn.
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, explained that the officers will be redeployed into core policing duties to curb rising insecurity.
The presidency said the decision is part of a broader security plan designed to enhance police effectiveness and improve public safety.
Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), later confirmed that 11,566 officers have already been withdrawn under the directive.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, Ndume described the order as one of Tinubu’s “most commendable decisions” and insisted it must be implemented fully and promptly.
He noted that some top officials have police escorts not only for themselves but also for their spouses and children.
“We should see it on the ground,” he said.
“I thought I would not see policemen at the national assembly today but I saw so many of them there today.”
The senator said he previously declined the number of officers assigned to him.
“I was attached three policemen but that was a big crowd for me so I refused,” he said.
“I insisted that if there’s going to be any attachment of police to me then it should be an orderly.”
According to him, an officer attached to a VIP should track movement, not serve as personal protection.
“So I am of the opinion that all these policemen be withdrawn from VIPs,” he said.
“You can imagine that some of my colleagues, like ministers, have police attached to their wives and children. What’s their business with that?”
Ndume recalled visiting the residence of another lawmaker and counting “more than 10 policemen” assigned to him, despite the senator being junior to him in rank.
He added that some VIP convoys are excessively large, often appearing like that of the president or vice-president.
“You can see even the president, the convoy that the president goes about with is too much,” he said.
“Secure the place and when the president goes, you withdraw.”
The lawmaker said security efforts should prioritise protecting communities rather than individuals.
“If you secure Abuja, then you can drive at night and let me tell you, this is what is happening in most countries,” he added.