The deployment of multiple personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for VIP protection without corresponding recruitment has sparked concerns over possible strain on the agency and a shift from its core mandate of safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

Months-long observations by The PUNCH indicated that several ministers and other high-profile individuals are currently being escorted by armed NSCDC operatives, raising questions about manpower distribution within the corps.

The shift of VIP escorts from the police to the NSCDC followed an order by President Bola Tinubu directing the former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police escorts from VIPs.

The President specifically instructed that individuals requiring such protection should seek it from the NSCDC, thereby freeing up police manpower for broader national security duties.

During one of the observations by The PUNCH, a minister from a key ministry was seen moving with three armed officers and another operative.

Similar findings at some hotels in Abuja showed other VIPs accompanied by at least two NSCDC personnel.

Churches, recreational centres and other private establishments were also found to be engaging the services of the corps for protection.

Security analyst, Chidi Omeje, warned that the growing demand for VIP protection could overstretch available personnel and undermine the corps’ primary responsibility of protecting national assets.

“There is a need for more recruitment. There are many youths who have no jobs at the moment. They can be trained in weapon handling. We need to free the corps from the VIP protection job so that they can focus on national security,” Omeje said.

However, the NSCDC dismissed concerns that VIP deployments were weakening its operations, insisting that the personnel attached to dignitaries belonged to a separate unit.

The Corps’ spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said the notion that VIP protection overstretched the organisation was based on a misconception of its internal structure.

“The NSCDC operates with specialised departments, each governed by its own Standard Operating Procedures.

“The personnel you see attached to VIPs are from a distinct unit, specifically the VIP Protection Unit, which is separate from the departments tasked with safeguarding national infrastructure.

“Our SOPs include mandatory rotation and relief schedules. This ensures that no single unit is ‘overstretched’ and that officers remain sharp and professional,” he said.

Afolabi stressed that the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure remained the corps’ core mandate, noting that dedicated tactical units such as Agro-Rangers and specialised infrastructure personnel were deployed to guard pipelines, telecommunications facilities, power installations and schools.

He explained that VIP protection was a secondary mandate, adding that officers in that unit undergo separate training focused on personal security, threat assessment and close-quarters protection.

According to him, the number of officers assigned to any VIP is determined by a security threat assessment conducted by the corps’ intelligence department, considering factors such as the office held, exposure level and prevailing security situation.

He added that operational guidelines also provide for rotational deployment to prevent overstretching personnel and ensure professionalism.

“The number of personnel assigned (such as the three officers mentioned with the minister) is not arbitrary.

“It is determined by a Security Threat Assessment conducted by our intelligence department.

“Factors include the VIP’s office, the nature of their exposure, and the current security climate of the region,” he said.

Afolabi further disclosed that the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Audi, had directed strict disciplinary action against any officer found engaging in domestic or non-professional duties while attached to VIPs.

He reassured the public that infrastructure guards remained on duty nationwide and that VIP deployments were not at the expense of national security.

“The NSCDC remains committed to its core mandate of safeguarding the nation’s assets while providing necessary security for state officials as directed by the Federal Government,” he added. (The PUNCH)