Police withdrawal: DSS officers lobby for VIP escort roles
DSS Officers Lobby VIPs for Security Roles After Tinubu Withdraws Police Escorts
Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police escorts from VIPs and politicians, some officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly begun lobbying influential Nigerians to take them on as personal security details, www.cjsoftflix.com has learnt.
The President had, on November 24, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to VIPs as part of an aggressive strategy to tackle escalating security threats, including rising cases of kidnapping in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger and other northern states.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed that armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) should take over VIP protection duties previously handled by the police.
Subsequently, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that 11,566 police personnel had been withdrawn from VIP protection and redeployed to crime-prone communities across the country.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Egbetokun explained that the move was aimed at refocusing policing efforts on communities severely affected by crime and insecurity.
VIPs Turn to NSCDC, Private Security Firms
Investigations by www.cjsoftflix.com revealed that following the police recall, many prominent Nigerians have begun reaching out to the NSCDC and private security companies in search of orderlies and security escorts.
It was also gathered that some DSS officers have approached highly placed individuals, urging them to request their deployment as personal security details through their respective state directors.
Secret Meetings With DSS Officers
A top executive of a Federal Government revenue-generating agency in Lagos disclosed that DSS officers known to him had met with him twice, seeking his intervention for their deployment as his new security guards.
“The policemen attached to me were withdrawn last week, and I was considering getting men of the NSCDC. But these DSS officers started showing up, asking me to speak with their state director so they could be deployed here,” he said.
According to him, the officers viewed his office as a “juicy place” following the withdrawal of police escorts. However, he expressed doubts, questioning the total manpower strength of the DSS.
Similarly, an aide to a businessman and religious leader in Osogbo, Osun State, revealed that some DSS officers had contacted the man’s children, expressing interest in replacing the withdrawn policemen.
DSS Rules Limit VIP Deployments
A senior DSS officer familiar with the situation confirmed that some of the officers lobbying for VIP postings were of lower cadre. He explained that the service operates under strict guidelines regarding VIP protection.
“Under the current Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, arbitrary deployment has been eradicated. Any officer above Level 13 is not posted to VIPs except governors or the State House in Abuja,” he said.
He added that officers seeking such postings might be engaging in a “wild goose chase,” as all deployments must follow established protocols.
Another DSS officer, however, noted that protecting VIPs remains part of the agency’s statutory responsibility, while cautioning colleagues against desperation.
Demand for Private Security Escorts Surges
Findings by www.cjsoftflix.com show a nationwide surge in demand for private security escorts following the President’s directive. Several private security operators confirmed receiving multiple requests from VIPs, especially for interstate travel.
The Managing Director of Sheriff Deputies, Mr Island Anyasi, said demand had doubled within a week, adding that the NSCDC was overwhelmed by requests.
“The demand has increased since the order. NSCDC seems ill-prepared to fill the gap left by the police,” he said.
Similarly, the Lagos Operations Manager of Proton Company Limited, Mr Felix Bamgbose, confirmed an unusually high number of requests, despite private guards being unarmed.
The Managing Director of Chogon Private Security Company Ltd, Mr Anselm Ozueh, described the surge as unprecedented, revealing that demand for escorts had jumped from 20 per cent to 70 per cent.
Senate Rules Out Collective Protection
Meanwhile, the Senate has dismissed speculations that it plans to seek special security protection for lawmakers. Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said there was no plan whatsoever to pursue collective protection.
According to him, individual senators are free to approach the NSCDC for security arrangements, in line with the President’s directive.
He added that plans were underway to recruit about 50,000 new police officers to strengthen the force and address rising security threats.
Forest Guards Warn of National Tension
The Commander General of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, warned that any attack on a senator, minister or other high-profile individual could trigger nationwide tension.
He stressed that insecurity must be tackled from its roots, particularly within forest regions where criminal gangs operate.
Osatimehin noted that while forest guards were willing to assist, their capacity remained limited due to manpower and equipment constraints.
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