Proton Security Services Limited has urged the Federal Government to leverage the recent withdrawal of Nigeria Police personnel from VIP protection duties to strengthen the country’s security architecture by empowering licensed private security firms.
Reacting to the directive in a statement, the Managing Director of the company, Adekunmi Odebunmi, described the policy as a turning point in Nigeria’s internal security strategy, noting that licensed private firms could complement public security agencies nationwide.
He said nearly 2,000 private security companies, licensed and regulated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, stand ready to support the protection of lives, property, logistics chains, and critical assets.
He noted, “Almost 2,000 private security companies, duly licensed and regulated by the NSCDC, are strategically positioned to complement public security agencies in safeguarding lives, properties, logistics chains and critical assets nationwide.”
Odebunmi added that the private security sector already employs tens of thousands of Nigerians, making it a key contributor to public safety, job creation and economic stability.
He stated, “A more deliberate and institutionalised integration of private security personnel will enable the efficient deployment of trained operatives across residential communities, corporate institutions, industrial zones and VIP environments, where security demands continue to intensify.”
The Proton boss also cited the Private Guard Companies Act (Cap P30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), which empowers the NSCDC to register and regulate private guard companies, stating that the law provides a credible framework for deeper collaboration.
“The Act offers the Federal Government a credible and accountable basis to grant licensed private security firms clearer institutional recognition, defined operational responsibilities and appropriate authority,” he said.
Citing industry data, Proton Security stated that Nigeria’s private security sector employs over 250,000 personnel nationwide, making it one of the largest non-state security workforces in Africa.
Odebunmi said this manpower capacity could help bridge protection gaps in high-risk and high-demand environments, as public security resources remain overstretched.
On bearing arms, he called for a tightly regulated national framework that would allow qualified private security operatives with military backgrounds to bear arms strictly for defensive purposes.
He said, “Such authorisation must be subject to rigorous training standards, centralised oversight and clearly defined rules of engagement.”
Odebunmi cited countries such as South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom, where licensed private security firms operate as armed support units in collaboration with state security agencies.
“Nigeria’s private security sector has evolved significantly in capacity, discipline and professionalism. Allowing qualified firms to bear arms within a strict regulatory framework will enhance VIP protection and strengthen the nation’s overall security architecture,” he said.
Beyond manpower, Proton Security said private firms are investing heavily in surveillance systems, drones, access control solutions, and AI-enabled monitoring tools to tackle emerging threats.
The company said expanding the operational scope of licensed private security firms would promote job creation, boost youth employment, improve investor confidence, and strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s security framework.
Commending the Federal Government for its security reforms, Odebunmi said, “This directive represents a decisive step towards reshaping Nigeria’s security landscape. By formally recognising, regulating and empowering licensed private security firms, the government will be laying a strong foundation for a safer, more resilient and secure nation.”
