A member of the House of Representatives has raised alarm over increasing threats from bandits following the recent withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs. The lawmaker explained that many officials are now exposed, stressing that criminal groups have already started sending warnings and attempting attacks because security around public figures has reduced.

According to the legislator, the decision to pull police officers away was meant to boost general security, but it has instead created vulnerability for those who are often targeted by criminals. He noted that while ordinary citizens also need protection, lawmakers face unique risks because of their public roles and the sensitive matters they handle in government.

The Reps member appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the policy and restore escorts to officials who genuinely require such protection. He said the safety of government representatives is vital for effective governance and for maintaining stability in regions currently battling insecurity.

Community leaders and security analysts have also expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the call and others insisting that better policing strategies, not VIP escorts, are the real solution. They believe the government must strengthen intelligence operations and provide more resources to frontline security agencies to curb bandit activities across the country.