Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the withdrawal of police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs).

We reported that Tinubu issued the directive on Sunday during a security meeting in Abuja attended by Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services. The order instructed police authorities to redeploy officers to focus on their primary duties, prompting the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force to recall all personnel attached to VIPs nationwide.

Speaking on Wednesday during the resumption of debates on national security in the House of Representatives, Wase expressed concern that lawmakers could be targeted by bandits. He called on the President to clarify the criteria for VIP designation, recalling past instances when Boko Haram terrorists were reportedly listed among recruits in the Army and Police Force.

Under the new arrangement, VIPs needing protection must request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rather than relying on police officers.

The Presidency explained that the move aims to strengthen police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas where stations are often understaffed and citizens are more vulnerable to attacks.