Security Under Strain: NSCDC Says ‘No More VIP Escorts For Senators

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disclosed that it is facing an overwhelming influx of requests for VIP protection, forcing the agency to reject at least five serving senators due to a critical manpower shortage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This development follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, issued on November 26, mandating the withdrawal of 11,566 police personnel from private security duties to refocus national security resources on tackling rising insecurity across the country.

A senior NSCDC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that demand for private protection services has more than doubled since the presidential order took effect.

“We are under serious pressure because of the increasing requests for VIP protection. We have already turned down five senators. The situation is overwhelming, and we simply do not have enough personnel to meet every request,” the official told THE WHISTLER.

The officer reiterated that the Corps must prioritize its statutory mission of safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), including oil pipelines, power stations, and telecommunications facilities, while also ensuring community safety and emergency response.

“Applications keep coming in daily from politicians, business executives, and even traditional and community leaders. But our primary responsibility remains the protection of national infrastructure. We cannot deviate from our mandate,” the source added.

President Tinubu’s security directives were part of a nationwide emergency response to growing threats, including recent high-profile attacks and the abduction of schoolchildren.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed the withdrawal of the 11,566 police officers, adding that they will undergo rapid retraining before being deployed to high-risk zones to strengthen frontline operations.

Additionally, the President approved the recruitment of 20,000 more police personnel — increasing the total to 50,000 — and directed the use of NYSC camps as supplementary training facilities.

While the NSCDC’s VIP Protection Unit is expected to absorb some of the protection duties previously handled by the police, officials warn that the current manpower gap will limit how quickly the Corps can meet the growing demand.