Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review his directive ordering the withdrawal of police protection from Very Important Persons. He warned that the policy, if not carefully implemented, could worsen the already dire kidnapping situation across the country.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Wase cautioned that “if we’re not careful, this directive will lead to more kidnappings.” He said intelligence reports and recent videos circulating online show bandits openly boasting about targeting the President and other political leaders.

Wase argued that Nigeria’s policing structure is already overstretched, comparing it to countries with stronger security coverage. He cited Egypt as an example, noting that despite its smaller population, it has millions of police personnel, while many Nigerian communities lack even a single station.

“In some places, you can travel 20 to 30 kilometres without seeing a police outpost,” he said. “If we truly want to solve these problems, we must act immediately.”

The lawmaker stressed that the issue is not about protecting VIPs for prestige but about preventing criminals from exploiting security gaps.

“When you withdraw security details from key individuals who are already being targeted, it becomes an invitation to chaos,” he said. “I watched a video where a bandit leader boasted openly that they are coming for the President and for politicians. These are unrepentant criminals.”

Wase also highlighted the intense insecurity faced by citizens in the North and North Central regions, describing it as far more severe than many Nigerians realise.

“There is no politician or public officer from the North who isn’t spending personal resources to support the security system,” he said. “Peace is still far from being achieved.”

He warned that without proper categorisation of those who require police protection, the House may soon be dealing with an even worse wave of kidnappings.

“Many of us cannot travel freely once it is 6pm,” he added. “From Abuja to Jos, by the time you get near Keffi, you’re already scared because you know what is happening on those roads.”

Wase revealed disturbing statistics, stating that bandits collected over N5 billion in ransom payments within a single year, while more than 30,000 Nigerians have been killed due to banditry, Boko Haram attacks, and related violence.

“Kidnapping happens virtually every day,” he said. “The losses are enormous and unacceptable.”

He appealed to President Tinubu to review the withdrawal directive and ensure that essential protections remain in place to prevent further loss of lives.

“There is a need to reassess this order,” Wase concluded. “It is a good policy on the surface, but it must be implemented with clear categorisation. Otherwise, we may be inviting more tragedy.”