Surge in Security Lobbying Follows VIP Escort Withdrawal
Following a directive from President Bola Tinubu to withdraw police escorts from high-profile individuals and politicians, a noticeable shift in security arrangements is underway. This has led to a wave of lobbying efforts, with some officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly seeking to be reassigned as personal security details to influential Nigerians. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to combat escalating nationwide security threats, including a recent spike in kidnappings across several northern states.
Presidential Directive and Police Redeployment
The directive, issued on November 24, mandated the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) and politicians. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were to assume these VIP protection duties. In adherence to this order, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on November 27 that a total of 11,566 police personnel had been withdrawn from VIP duties and redeployed. Egbetokun emphasized that this reallocation was intended to refocus policing efforts on communities severely affected by criminal activities.
DSS Officers Seek New Deployments
In the wake of the police recall, prominent Nigerians have reportedly been exploring options with the NSCDC and private security firms for their security needs. Concurrently, it has been observed that some DSS officers have been actively approaching influential VIPs, requesting that they intercede with their respective state directors for deployment as personal security guards.
One VIP, a senior executive at a federal revenue-generating agency in Lagos, shared his experience. He revealed that DSS officers he had previously interacted with viewed the withdrawal of police escorts as an opportunity for a “juicy” assignment. He recounted two instances where these officers approached him, urging him to speak with their state director to facilitate their deployment as his new security detail. The VIP noted that these officers, whom he knows personally, clearly perceive his position as a desirable one.
“The policemen attached to me were withdrawn last week, and I was considering getting men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” he explained. “But these DSS officers are showing up and presenting themselves as alternatives. They came here twice to request that I speak with their state director so they can be deployed here as my new security details. They are known persons to me, so they must have seen this place as a juicy area.” He expressed uncertainty about accepting their request, questioning the total number of DSS personnel available.
Similarly, an aide to a prominent businessman and religious leader in Osogbo, Osun State, confirmed that some DSS officers had expressed interest in providing security for his principal after the withdrawal of his police escorts. This aide, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the matter, disclosed that these DSS officers had approached the businessman’s children to convey their interest and request their influence in securing the deployment.
Internal DSS Perspective and Regulations
A senior DSS officer, aware of these lobbying efforts, indicated that the officers involved were primarily from the “lower cadre.” He highlighted that, unlike the police, the DSS has stringent regulations regarding the assignment of its officers to VIPs. The current Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, is credited with eliminating “arbitrary posting.”
“I’m aware that some of our men are seeking to replace policemen attached to some high-profile VIPs. I don’t want to talk much about that, but I can tell you that those making the move are lower cadre, not senior officers,” the senior DSS officer stated. “The new rule under the current DG is that anybody above Level 13 should not be deployed to VIPs except to the governor or the State House in Abuja. The DG has eradicated arbitrary deployment. So, those seeking to be attached to the VIPs now may be engaging in a wild goose chase.”
Another DSS officer acknowledged the truth in the rumours, stating that lobbying for VIP postings might be occurring. However, he cautioned against the assumption that DSS personnel assignments to VIPs are inappropriate, emphasizing that protecting VIPs is a statutory responsibility of the agency. He stressed that any deployment would follow established protocols, which are not publicly disclosed, and that securing such postings is not automatic.
Private Security Sector Sees Unprecedented Demand
The directive to withdraw police escorts has also triggered a significant surge in demand for private security escorts across the nation. Security operators confirmed receiving numerous requests from VIPs nationwide. Mr. Island Anyasi, Managing Director of Sheriff Deputies, noted that while demand has increased, new challenges have emerged.
“The demand has increased since that order was given by the President,” he stated. “We, as private companies, have always worked with the police and the NSCDC to fulfil those VIP protection duties. But now, we have been restricted to the NSCDC. But they are overwhelmed with demands at this time, and they seem ill-prepared to fill that gap.”
Anyasi reported that requests had doubled in the past week, particularly from individuals planning interstate travel. He added, “Even if we are not carrying arms, you still need to secure yourselves. So, people are making those demands to buffer their security in the absence of armed personnel.”
Mr. Felix Bamgbose, Lagos Operations Manager for Proton Company Limited, corroborated this trend, observing a sharp rise in requests from highly placed individuals. He mentioned that demand has far exceeded normal levels, and the withdrawal of police personnel has also impacted their operational capacity. Bamgbose clarified that while private security guards cannot carry firearms, some firms are licensed to deploy armed escorts through partnerships with authorized agencies.
The Managing Director of Chogon Private Security Company Ltd, Mr. Anselm Ozueh, described the surge as unprecedented. He noted that before the President’s order, VIP protection was primarily the responsibility of the police. Now, private security companies are stepping in. “Before, we usually have about 20 per cent demand for our security escorts. But right now, it has jumped to 70 per cent,” Ozueh stated, having received calls from Abuja, Anambra, Lagos, and Oyo in a single day.
Ozueh explained that even unarmed escorts offer a sense of security. “The confidence was supposed to be in the arms, the rifle. But right now, there is no rifle. But those coming perhaps believe that it is better to move around with someone who has a bit of security knowledge than to travel all alone,” he said. He added that escorts can act as bodyguards, provide a bouncer presence, or offer security intelligence to deter petty criminals. In response to the rising demand, a circular was reportedly sent to private security companies detailing how they can request armed escorts from the NSCDC.
Senate Denies Seeking Special Protection
In related developments, the Senate has dismissed concerns about seeking special security protection for its members. Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, stated that there are “no plans whatsoever” to pursue collective security arrangements for senators. He clarified that individual lawmakers are free to make personal security arrangements, aligning with the President’s directive that anyone requiring protection should approach the NSCDC.
“What we understand is that, following the President’s declaration of a security emergency, all security agencies, especially the police, must ensure they have enough personnel to confront the current challenges. We fully support the President on this. He has already made it clear that anyone who needs protection should approach the NSCDC and make a formal request,” Adaramodu explained. He urged senators to follow the established procedure and assured them that security agencies are tasked with strengthening their manpower to address rising security threats, including plans to recruit approximately 50,000 new police officers.
Forest Guards Warn of Potential Tensions
Meanwhile, the Commander General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, has cautioned that any attack or abduction involving a senator, minister, or other high-profile individual could trigger significant tension across the country. While acknowledging the potential risks, Osatimehin stated that his organization is prepared to offer protection, as they have been doing so prior to the recent directive.
“The President’s order is not a lasting solution to insecurity because if any senator is abducted or harmed, it will create tension among Nigerians,” he warned. “If a senator or a minister can be kidnapped, what hope does an ordinary Nigerian have? What image would Nigeria be portraying to the international community?” Osatimehin stressed the need to address insecurity at its roots, particularly in forest areas where criminal groups operate. He also noted the limitations of the Forest Guards in terms of manpower and equipment, as they are a volunteer-based organization with restricted access to weapons. He expressed hope that the government would officially commission them to gain access to more sophisticated weaponry.
