Police withdrawal: ‘Some lawmakers may not go home today’ – Akpabio tells President Tinubu

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the directive withdrawing police orderlies from members of the National Assembly, citing safety concerns.

Akpabio made the plea on Friday during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly. The Senate President warned that some lawmakers feared they might be unable to return home safely following the withdrawal.

“As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some of the National Assembly said I should let you know they may not be able to go home today. On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision.”

Recall that President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties across the country.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu issued the directive after a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) following heightened security issues in the country.

Under the order, VIPs requiring security are to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the Federal Government seeks to boost police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas grappling with insecurity.