NSCDC Set to Recruit New Officers After Police Exit from VIP Duties

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has requested presidential approval to recruit about 30,000 additional personnel, citing growing pressure from its expanding responsibilities, especially in VIP protection.

The request followed a recent meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi. Sources familiar with the meeting said the proposed recruitment is separate from the ongoing nationwide recruitment across paramilitary agencies.

The move comes amid rising demand for NSCDC escort services after the Federal Government ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties. The decision was aimed at redeploying police personnel to crime-prone communities battling kidnapping and violent crimes.

Officials within the corps confirmed that the sudden surge in VIP protection requests has stretched NSCDC manpower nationwide. As an interim measure, commandants are deploying available operatives and intensifying internal training programmes to meet operational demands.

A senior officer said President Tinubu has given assurances that the request would receive favourable consideration.

The manpower challenge follows the recall of 11,566 police officers previously attached to VIPs. Authorities say the policy shift will allow the police to focus on frontline security, while the NSCDC takes on a larger role in VIP protection.

Key Takeaway

If approved, the recruitment of 30,000 new personnel will strengthen the NSCDC’s capacity and support the Federal Government’s broader security reforms.