NSCDC seeks presidential approval to recruit 30,000 personnel to meet growing security demands across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has requested presidential approval to recruit about 30,000 extra personnel. The agency is facing increased pressure due to its expanded responsibilities. This is particularly clear in protecting Very Important Persons, Urhobo Daily gathered.
Our correspondent found that the inquiry was made after a meeting held last month. This meeting involved President Bola Tinubu. It also included the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi.
This proposed recruitment is separate from the ongoing recruitment of 30,000 personnel now being carried out across the paramilitary services.
The engagement occurred during a surge in requests for VIP escort services nationwide. This surge happened after the withdrawal of police officers from such duties.
The development has exposed manpower gaps within the corps and prompted top-level intervention to boost its operational capacity.
Sources within the agency confirmed that the rising demand for VIP protection influenced discussions with the President. During these discussions, the NSCDC leadership sought approval to recruit extra personnel.
An officer familiar with the development told our correspondent some information. The president gave assurances that the proposal would be favorably considered. Plans are underway to recruit about 30,000 new operatives to strengthen the corps.
Another officer confirmed, “The CG and the minister have met with the president. They explained the need for more personnel, especially with the increasing demand for VIP protection.
The president has given his word. Justice will be done to the request. There is a possible recruitment of about 30,000 personnel.”
A senior security operative in the agency noted an increase in applications. This is due to the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties. This issue is clear across states. This situation places pressure on NSCDC’s limited manpower.
He mentioned that commandants nationwide were deploying available operatives. The corps was intensifying in-house training, particularly in weapon handling, to meet operational demands.
The manpower challenge emerged after President Tinubu approved the recall of 11,566 police officers attached to VIPs. This move was aimed at redeploying officers to communities affected by kidnapping and violent crimes.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the decision was intended to refocus policing efforts on crime-prone areas. He also cautioned against the risk of impersonation during the transition.
On November 9, 2025, a European Union report stated that over 100,000 police officers were assigned to VIPs. This raised concerns about inadequate security coverage for ordinary citizens across the country.
The European Union Agency for Asylum reported on the Nigeria Police Force. It has an estimated strength of 371,800 officers. They serve a population of about 236.7 million people.
The report stated that the situation worsened. A significant part of the available officers were deployed to VIP protection duties. This diverted them away from community policing and crime prevention.
Part of the report read, “The Nigerian Police Force acts under the jurisdiction of both federal and state institutions. It is commanded by an Inspector-General of Police. The police force mirrors other administrative structures in the country. It includes the Force Headquarters and zonal headquarters. There are also state command headquarters and divisional police headquarters. Additionally, it comprises police stations, police posts, and village police posts.
“Recent sources and those dating back as far as 2007 claimed that the NPF had an estimated strength of 371,800. These sources claimed an estimated strength of 371,800 for the NPF. This force serves a total population estimated in 2024 at 236,747,130. The resulting shortage in police personnel was compounded. More than 100,000 police officers were assigned to the protection of politicians and VIPs. They were not assigned to tasks serving the general population.”
The report noted that manpower shortages, corruption, and limited resources have led to slow responses to emergencies. They have left numerous communities without adequate police presence.
President Bola Tinubu gave an order on November 23, 2025. He called for the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to influential individuals across the country. He directed that they be redeployed to bolster policing nationwide.
The directive was issued after a security meeting at the State House. It came days after a series of attacks. These attacks resulted in the kidnapping of at least 300 people, mostly schoolchildren, across Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States.
“Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them. Their focus will be on their core police duties.” This was explained in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga stated that Tinubu gave an instruction. He mentioned a change for VIPs. Those wanting police protection will now ask for well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Same month, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said over 11,000 police officers attached to VIPs had been recalled.
“In line with the President’s directive, we have withdrawn a total of 11,566 personnel from VIP protection. These officers are being redeployed to critical policing duties at once,” he said.
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