Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police escorts from VIPs, some officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly been lobbying influential Nigerians to be assigned as personal security details.
President Tinubu, on November 24, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to VIPs and politicians as part of a broader effort to tackle rising nationwide security threats, including spikes in kidnappings in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and other parts of northern Nigeria.
The President directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to take over VIP protection duties previously handled by the police. In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed that 11,566 personnel had been redeployed to focus on community policing and crime hotspots.
DSS Officers Seek “Juicy” Postings
Following the withdrawal, prominent Nigerians began contacting the NSCDC and private security companies for orderlies and security escorts. Some DSS officers reportedly approached high-profile VIPs, asking that they speak with state directors to have the officers deployed as their new security details.
A Lagos-based top executive said DSS officers had met him twice to request deployment, seeing the change as an opportunity to secure high-profile postings. Similarly, aides to other influential individuals reported that DSS officers approached family members to lobby for reassignment.
A senior DSS officer confirmed that some of the personnel pursuing such deployments were “lower cadre” officers. He explained that under current rules set by the Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, senior officers above Level 13 are generally not deployed to VIPs except in the governor’s office or the State House in Abuja, eliminating arbitrary postings.
Private Security Demand Surges
The withdrawal of police personnel has also led to a sharp rise in demand for private security services nationwide. Companies such as Sheriff Deputies, Proton Company Limited, and Chogon Private Security have reported unprecedented requests for VIP escorts.
Island Anyasi, Managing Director of Sheriff Deputies, noted that demand had doubled in the past week, primarily from individuals preparing for interstate travel. Felix Bamgbose of Proton Company Limited and Anselm Ozueh of Chogon Private Security echoed similar concerns, citing a jump from about 20% to 70% in escort requests.
Despite private security guards being largely unarmed, VIPs are still seeking their services for protection, bodyguard support, and security intelligence. Some licensed companies are able to provide armed escorts in partnership with agencies authorized to carry firearms.
Senate Assures No Special Security Requests
The Senate has dismissed concerns of requesting collective security for members, stating there is no plan to seek special protection. Senators are advised to individually approach the NSCDC for personal security if needed.
Yemi Adaramodu, Senate spokesperson, emphasized that the President’s national security emergency directive provides a clear procedure for officials to request protection, and ongoing recruitment will strengthen the police force with 50,000 additional officers.
Potential Risks and Forest Guards’ Role
The Commander General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, warned that attacks or abductions involving VIPs could trigger national tension. He noted that while forest guards are prepared to assist, their capacity is limited due to volunteer status, lack of manpower, and restricted access to weapons.
Osatimehin stressed that long-term solutions require tackling insecurity at its root, particularly in forest areas where criminal groups operate. He urged government support to equip security agencies with modern tools to address the growing threat effectively.
By Comfort Asemota
