They Took My Escorts!’ – PDP Scribe Anyanwu Reveals Sudden Security Withdrawal

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, has confirmed that his police orderlies were among those withdrawn under President Bola Tinubu’s new directive ordering the immediate removal of police escorts from VIPs nationwide.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a phone interview with Punch on Thursday, Anyanwu voiced support for the policy but urged the federal government to prioritise “elder statesmen and national officers of political parties” when reallocating security personnel.

“I support the withdrawal. Nigeria is currently facing a manpower shortage in the police, and many officers assigned to VIPs have abused the privilege,” he said, noting that he understands the motivation behind the president’s decision.

However, he stressed that the implementation must be carefully handled.

“They must prioritise properly. They should assess the calibre of individuals and determine who genuinely qualifies for VIP protection. Proper documentation and verification of officers should also be carried out,” he advised.

Asked whether he planned to turn to private security following the withdrawal of his police details, Anyanwu dismissed the idea.

“How can I rely on private guards? I am entitled to police escorts. I am a national officer of a political party and also a senator,” he insisted.

He revealed that he has instead applied for security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), stating, “I actually prefer them because they are also well-trained.”

President Tinubu issued the withdrawal directive after a high-level security meeting with Service Chiefs in Abuja as part of a broader effort to restructure security deployments and strengthen the overstretched police force.

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the measure is aimed at freeing up security resources and bolstering national safety.