‘The Convoy That The President Goes About With Is Too Much’ – Ndume

Borno South Senatorial District lawmaker, Ali Ndume, has voiced strong concerns over what he describes as the excessive deployment of police and security convoys to protect public officials, warning that this practice leaves ordinary citizens vulnerable.

Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Ndume argued that Nigeria’s security strategy should prioritize the safety of communities rather than individuals. He questioned the rationale behind the heavy concentration of armed personnel around politicians who do not hold top-tier positions.

Recalling a personal experience, Ndume said, “I went to one of my colleagues’ houses for dinner and saw more than ten policemen stationed there. He is my junior in the National Assembly. Seeing them, you might think the President or Vice President was visiting.”

The senator also criticized the scale of security arrangements for the presidency. “Even the president’s convoy is too large. The approach should be to secure locations first. When the president travels, the security can be withdrawn. If Abuja is secure, the president can move about even at night. This is how it works in many other countries,” Ndume explained.

He warned that prioritizing personal security over public safety creates an environment where ordinary citizens are left exposed. “When protection is focused solely on personalities, the common people become vulnerable—and that’s a problem,” he added.

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Ndume’s comments highlight a growing debate in Nigeria over the balance between VIP protection and public security, with critics arguing that the current system is unsustainable and leaves broader society at risk.