Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South in the National Assembly has thrown his full support behind the federal government’s decision to withdraw police personnel attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs), describing the policy as “one of the most commendable things President Bola Tinubu has done for Nigerians.”
Speaking on Channels Television, Ndume, who represents Borno South, said he had long advocated for the removal of security operatives from politicians and influential individuals, arguing that such assignments drain manpower from public policing duties.
“I’ve been calling for it. This is one of the most commendable things President Tinubu has done for Nigerians,” Ndume said. “It should be implemented effectively. We should see it on ground.”
The senator, however, expressed disappointment that the policy had not yet taken effect within the National Assembly complex.
“I thought today I wouldn’t see police in the National Assembly. But there is still crowded police in the complex,” he noted. “The police in the National Assembly should be withdrawn from everybody. If you secure Abuja, you don’t need police attached to personalities. I don’t need police for protection.”
Ndume criticized what he described as excessive security entourages attached to politicians and their family members. He recalled seeing a “politically exposed person” whose son was escorted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and police officers.
“That is wrong. That is an insult to office,” he said.
The senator added that the abuse of security attachments had reached unacceptable levels, citing a visit to a colleague’s residence where he counted more than ten police officers stationed within the compound. “He is even my junior in the National Assembly,” Ndume remarked.
He further lamented the growing trend of lawmakers moving with large convoys that resemble presidential motorcades.
“When you see some National Assembly members, you think it’s the president or vice president that is moving,” he said. “Even the convoy of the president is too much. Secure Abuja and the president can move freely.”
The federal government’s directive to withdraw police personnel from VIPs is part of broader efforts to reform the police force and strengthen public security. However, implementation remains a key concern for lawmakers like Ndume who are pushing for visible and immediate compliance.
