VIPs rush NSCDC, private guards as police escorts are withdrawn
There has been a surge in demand for the services of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service and private security firms after President Bola Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs. The directive, aimed at boosting police presence in communities, has already seen Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun recall more than 11,500 escort officers nationwide. Findings across states show many affected politicians and high‑profile figures are now making frantic moves to secure alternative armed protection. Senior NSCDC officers in Abuja and Enugu confirmed they have been inundated with calls and formal applications from VIPs requesting personnel for home and personal security, even as the corps struggles with limited manpower and multiple national assignments. Private security companies are also reporting a spike in enquiries but say they lack enough trained guards to meet sudden demand. […]