Following President Bola Tinubu’s withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs on November 24, some DSS officers have reportedly approached influential Nigerians, seeking deployment as personal security details.
The withdrawal was part of the government’s effort to refocus the police on community policing amid rising insecurity, with the NSCDC taking over VIP protection duties. The Inspector-General of Police confirmed that 11,566 officers were redeployed from VIP duties.
Several prominent Nigerians have reached out to private security firms and the NSCDC for protection, leading to a surge in demand for security escorts. Some lower-cadre DSS officers are reportedly lobbying to replace the withdrawn police officers, though senior DSS officers said deployment follows strict protocols and is not automatic.
Private security companies have reported a significant jump in requests for armed and unarmed escorts, especially for interstate travel. Firms like Sheriff Deputies, Proton Company, and Chogon Private Security confirmed demand has risen from about 20% to 70% since the police withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the Senate clarified it has no plans to collectively seek security for lawmakers, advising senators to formally request protection from the NSCDC if needed.
Security experts, including Joshua Osatimehin of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, warned that any attack on VIPs could spark national tension and highlighted the need for long-term solutions to insecurity, noting that volunteer-based organisations like the Forest Guards have limited capacity and weapon access.
The development underscores rising concerns over VIP protection in Nigeria and the gap left by the redeployment of police personnel.
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