Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), has called for the presidential directive withdrawing police officers from VIP security assignments to be extended to the National Assembly.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ndume argued that the number of police personnel stationed at the National Assembly complex remains excessive despite the new directive.
He alleged that some lawmakers and ministers have officers assigned to their wives and even adult children, describing the practice as “insulting.”
“I thought I wouldn’t see so many police officers at the National Assembly today, but they are still everywhere. Some colleagues and ministers have police attached to their wives and even their children. I saw a mature son of a politician moving with a convoy. It’s an insult,” he said.
Security Excesses and Abuja’s Vulnerability
Ndume recounted visiting a colleague’s home where he saw more than 10 police officers assigned to him.
He added that some lawmakers move with convoys so large that people assume the President or Vice President is approaching.
The senator argued that if the Federal Capital Territory were truly secure, VIPs would not need heavy escorts.
“If you secure Abuja, the President can even drive out himself. But when you secure only personalities, ordinary citizens become vulnerable,” he said.
When asked about his own security detail, Ndume clarified that he has only one orderly, rejecting three officers previously assigned to him.
“I insisted on just one orderly — and only because I am an accused person and need someone who can testify about my movements,” he explained.
Criticism of Satellite Monitoring Claims
Ndume commended President Bola Tinubu’s initial steps to tackle insecurity but said more must be done.
He criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s claim that Nigeria has effective satellite monitoring, noting that the country has only four satellites compared to the United States’ 8,500.
“If we truly had that capacity, why couldn’t we locate the abducted girls?” he asked, revealing that 13 teenage girls from his constituency were recently abducted by ISWAP, with no updates yet.
“Only one married woman escaped. We have no information. General Uba is still missing. The President said he accepts he is dead, but where is the body?” he added.
Tinubu’s Security Directive
President Tinubu had earlier declared a national security emergency and ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs, directing that they undergo retraining before redeployment to high‑risk areas.
Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun confirmed that 11,566 officers have already been recalled, with redeployments to underserved communities underway.
He described the move as “patriotic, forward‑looking, and operationally prudent,” aimed at strengthening frontline policing across the country.
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