NSCDC Seeks Presidential Approval to Recruit 30,000 Officers Amid VIP Protection Strain
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has formally applied for presidential authorization to recruit around 30,000 additional personnel to address mounting operational pressures, especially the expanded role of escorting Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.
The appeal was made following a meeting involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi, where senior officials raised concerns over a manpower shortfall within the corps.
According to insiders, the recruitment push comes in the wake of a surge in demands for VIP protection services after the withdrawal of police officers from such duties earlier last year. This policy shift saw thousands of police personnel redeployed to frontline community policing to strengthen internal security, a move that exposed gaps in the NSCDC’s current staffing capacity.
The proposed recruitment drive, distinct from ongoing recruitment exercises across various paramilitary agencies, aims to bolster the corps’ ability to meet both VIP protection needs and its broader statutory functions. An NSCDC source said President Tinubu has indicated his willingness to consider the request favourably, signalling support for expanding the force.
Officials also noted that the high volume of protection requests has placed strain on existing operatives, prompting increased deployment and intensified in-house training, particularly around weapon handling, to improve readiness.
The manpower challenge stems from November 2025, when Tinubu ordered the recall of more than 11,000 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties, a decision aimed at reinforcing community-level policing in crime-affected areas.
Security analysts say the NSCDC’s recruitment push reflects broader adjustments within Nigeria’s security architecture as authorities seek to balance the protection of high-profile individuals with effective policing for ordinary citizens.