By Our Correspondent

National News – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has addressed concerns over its growing role in VIP protection, insisting that its primary mandate of safeguarding critical national infrastructure remains uncompromised.

The deployment of NSCDC personnel to escort ministers, high-profile officials, and private establishments has sparked public debate about potential strain on the agency’s resources.

The directive, executed under former Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, aimed to free police manpower for broader national security responsibilities.

Ministers and other VIPs were seen with two to three officers each, while some hotels and churches engaged the corps for private security.

Security analyst Chidi Omeje cautioned that the rising demand for VIP protection could overstretch personnel, suggesting recruitment of unemployed youths for specialized training in personal security.

“We need more recruitment to allow the corps to focus on national infrastructure protection,” he said.

However, NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi clarified that VIP protection duties are handled by a dedicated unit separate from departments safeguarding pipelines, power stations, telecommunications facilities, and schools.

Officers in the VIP Protection Unit undergo specialized training in threat assessment, close-quarter security, and personal protection.

Afolabi noted that rotational deployment ensures officers remain effective, and personnel are assigned to VIPs based on intelligence-led security threat assessments.

The Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Audi, has also directed strict disciplinary measures against any officer engaged in non-professional duties while on VIP assignment.

Afolabi emphasized that infrastructure protection continues nationwide without compromise.

“NSCDC remains committed to securing the nation’s assets while providing necessary protection to state officials,” he said.