VIPs Protest FG’s Replacement of Police Escorts With Civil Defence Officers: Here’s Why They Say NSCDC Isn’t Fit for the Job

A growing number of Very Important Persons (VIPs) in Nigeria have openly expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s new directive to replace their long-standing police escorts with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The decision, which forms part of the government’s wider security restructuring plan, has stirred strong reactions from high-profile individuals, business executives, politicians, and celebrities who rely heavily on personal security.

According to several VIPs, the move raises major concerns about effectiveness, training quality, and response capacity. For years, the Nigeria Police Force has been responsible for providing escort services to top-ranking individuals. Suddenly substituting them with NSCDC operatives, many argue, may compromise their security due to differences in tactical experience and operational exposure.

Some VIPs who spoke under anonymity insisted that the NSCDC does not possess the same level of readiness as the police, especially when handling fast-paced or high-risk security situations. They stressed that while NSCDC officers are valuable in safeguarding critical infrastructure, crowd control, and community-level security, their training does not traditionally center on escort duties, convoy coordination, and rapid protective response, which are crucial for VIP protection.

Others complained that the change appears rushed, lacking adequate consultation or transition planning. A Lagos-based businessman noted that escort officers are not just security personnel but part of an overall risk management strategy. According to him, removing familiar police escorts who understand their routine, travel patterns, and risk profile could expose them to vulnerabilities, particularly in areas where kidnapping and targeted attacks remain a pressing concern.

Another major point raised by critics is the difference in equipment and resources. VIPs claim that police escorts are often better equipped with tactical weapons, trained drivers, intelligence links, and communication tools. In contrast, some fear that NSCDC operatives may not yet have access to the same advanced gear required to deter coordinated threats.

Despite the backlash, the Federal Government maintains that the decision aims to reform the policing system, reduce misuse of police personnel, and strengthen national security. By reallocating police officers from private escort roles, the government hopes to redirect manpower toward crime prevention, public safety, and major policing operations across the country. Officials also argue that NSCDC operatives are fully capable of handling VIP protection once properly deployed.

Meanwhile, social commentators and analysts have mixed opinions. Some support the government’s move, stating that Nigeria’s police force has long been overstretched and under pressure. They believe that sharing responsibilities with other security agencies is essential. Others, however, insist that VIP security is too sensitive for abrupt changes without clear indicators of NSCDC readiness.

As the debate continues, many VIPs are calling on the government to review the policy, conduct wider consultations, provide additional training for NSCDC operatives, and ensure that the transition prioritizes the safety of those who may face targeted threats.

The development has sparked national conversations about security reform, the role of Nigeria’s various security agencies, and the long-standing issue of private use of police personnel. For now, VIPs remain uneasy, anxiously watching how the government intends to address the concerns surrounding their protection under the new mandate.