NSCDC rejects VIP protection requests from senators as demand surges after police withdrawal

NSCDC rejects VIP protection requests from senators as demand surges after police withdrawal

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rejected requests for VIP protection from at least five senators, following a sharp rise in demand for personal security after the recent withdrawal of police officers from private guard duties.

An NSCDC officer who spoke with THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity confirmed that the corps has been overwhelmed in the last two weeks.

According to him, “We are under pressure due to the upsurge of requests for protection by VIPs. We have had to turn down five senators due to increased requests. The situation is overwhelming, and we simply do not have the manpower to satisfy everyone.”

The development comes after President Bola Tinubu ordered a nationwide withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs and private individuals. The directive, issued on November 26, aims to redirect security resources toward combating rising insecurity, including attacks on worship centres, school abductions, and growing criminal activities.

Following the order, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun confirmed that 11,566 police officers previously attached to VIPs have been withdrawn.

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Since then, requests directed to the NSCDC have more than doubled, stretching the agency’s manpower and operational capacity. “Every day, new applications come in from politicians, businessmen, and even community leaders. But our priority remains national infrastructure and critical assets. We cannot abandon our core mandate,” the officer said.

As part of the new measures, the president also declared a national security emergency and ordered massive recruitment across the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS). The police are expected to recruit 20,000 additional officers, bringing the total number of new recruits to 50,000, with NYSC camps converted to training centres. Withdrawn officers will undergo accelerated retraining for deployment to volatile regions.

The escalated security response follows multiple violent incidents across the country. While the 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara have regained freedom, about 300 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, remain missing.

In a related international development, U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in November redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing alleged religious persecution and attacks on Christians. He warned that continued violence could lead to a cut in U.S. aid or even military intervention to “wipe out” extremist groups.

The rising insecurity and shift in protection protocols continue to place heavy pressure on Nigeria’s security architecture as agencies struggle to balance VIP demands with national priorities.

NSCDC rejects VIP protection requests from senators as demand surges after police withdrawal