NSCDC Seeks Presidential Approval to Recruit 30,000 Officers Amid Rising VIP Security Demands
By Our Correspondent.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has formally requested presidential approval to recruit an additional 30,000 personnel. This request responds to mounting operational pressures following the agency’s expanded responsibility in providing protection for Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting last month, attended by President Bola Tinubu, Minister of the Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi.
Sources within the agency indicated that this recruitment drive is separate from the ongoing initiative to enlist 30,000 personnel across various paramilitary agencies.
The move comes in response to a notable increase in demand for VIP escort services nationwide, a development precipitated by the Federal Government’s decision to redeploy police officers from VIP duties to address community-level insecurity.
Senior officials revealed that NSCDC leadership briefed the President on the widening manpower gaps, especially as state commands face challenges in fulfilling increasing protection requests.
“The Commandant-General and the Minister explained the operational strain caused by police redeployment,” a source stated. “The President assured that the request would be given favorable consideration.”
An official also confirmed that plans are underway to substantially enhance the corps’ operational capacity to address its expanding responsibilities.
The pressure on NSCDC intensified following President Tinubu’s approval to recall over 11,500 police officers previously assigned to politicians and influential individuals. These officers have been redeployed to communities battling kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun explained that this redeployment aims to reorient policing efforts towards crime prevention, cautioning against impersonation during the transition.
A 2025 report by the European Union Agency for Asylum highlighted that more than 100,000 Nigerian police officers are engaged in VIP protection, leaving ordinary citizens with limited security coverage.
The report estimated the Nigeria Police Force’s strength at approximately 371,800 officers serving over 236 million residents, citing manpower shortages, corruption, and resource limitations as factors weakening emergency response and community policing.
In response to recent mass abductions across Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, President Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police from VIP protection duties, directing the NSCDC to assume these responsibilities.
“VIPs requiring protection will now request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” stated Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Since then, the NSCDC has intensified internal training, including weapons handling, as it strives to meet the nationwide demand with its current workforce.
