Police Withdrawal: Zamfara NSCDC Steps Up VIP Protection Cover With 200 Personnel

Amid growing concerns over the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs and the increasing security burden placed on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), anxiety had mounted over the safety of high-profile individuals and critical assets. However, relief appears to be in sight as the Zamfara State Command of the Corps has strengthened its security architecture with the deployment of 200 specially trained VIP protection personnel. NICHOLAS DEKERA writes.

Following the presidential directive issued to the Force Headquarters last year ordering the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs across the country, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was mandated to assume greater responsibility in the area of VIP protection and the safeguarding of critical personalities and assets.

In line with that mandate, the Zamfara State Command of the Corps last Friday successfully concluded an intensive training programme for 200 personnel under its VIP Protection Course. The exercise, described  by the state commandant as the first of its kind among state commands nationwide and second only to the training conducted at the national headquarters, is aimed at strengthening the command’s capacity to provide professional security coverage for high-profile individuals and vulnerable public assets across the state.

The Zamfara State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Sani Mustapha, disclosed that the command previously had 50 trained VIP protection personnel, noting that the newly trained 200 officers have now raised the total number of VIP guards in the state to 250.

This development comes as the Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to restructuring its operations and introducing innovative strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency and strengthening service delivery in line with its constitutional mandate.

While many residents and stakeholders have applauded the initiative as a timely move to strengthen security coverage in the state, concerns have also been raised over the adequacy of the number of personnel deployed for VIP protection duties.

A senior state government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, argued that the 200 newly trained NSCDC personnel would be insufficient to meet the growing security demands in Zamfara State.

According to the official, “Two hundred VIP protection guards cannot effectively cover the state. If you look at the numbers, there are 14 Local Government Chairmen and 14 Vice Chairmen alone, making 28 persons. Add the 24 members of the State House of Assembly and the figure rises significantly.

“You also have commissioners, heads of agencies and parastatals, political office holders, sensitive government appointees, as well as traditional rulers and institutions that require security coverage. When you consider all these categories, you will realise that the number is still far from adequate.” he stated.

He said, “All contractors and workers in key areas, such as road construction, especially those currently operating in high-risk security zones, are Very Important Personalities. Let me shock you: are you aware that in all 14 local government areas, the governor has awarded contracts for road construction, school construction, and many other projects?

These projects are ongoing simultaneously. How can 200 VIP guards secure all these VIPs? A state like Zamfara should have at least 500 personnel, and it should not be on a pay-as-you-request basis.”

Zurmi local government council chairman, who doubles as the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Samaila Hussaini Moriki, said, “My orderly is a police officer, I do not have any NSCDC VIP guards, I do not also know any of my colleagues with any NSCDC VIP guards,  but security in Zamfara is a joint task. However, if I am to answer your question, I do not think 200 or 250 men will secure us.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Lawal Barau Bungudu, said, “To be candid, I am not aware of the 200 VIP guards. My orderly is a police officer, but honestly, 200 men cannot secure Zamfara. It has to be a joint task and a collective one rooted in information sharing and joint operations.”

Over the years, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has made significant gains in combating insecurity and enhancing operational capacity, largely through personnel development, logistical support from the state government, and improved strategic interventions as of early 2026.

When contacted for an official response on the role of the 200 VIP Guards in the state, the command’s spokesperson, ASCI Umar Mohammed M, maintained that, “All those who are trained will work in one unit, so when VIP protection is needed, a request is made, and that is when the VIP protection personnel will be sent to the VIPs. You see, right now we have many offices in the state, but if they do not request, we will not be sending VIP protection to them. I don’t know if you understand, and it is not free; the VIP make specific arrangements.”

He said, “it is solely based on their requests. Already we have some who are already there. They have been given additional knowledge for what they do, but those who are not currently attached to any VIP, until request comes, if not, they will be in the pool of the VIP units under the state command, but I believe out of the 200, over 40 per cent, or let me say almost 40 per cent, are already attached to VIPs.”

Umar added that , “Private individuals can also request for their protection. The VIP protection is for anybody who feels his office allows or needs such protection.

Like in Zamfara, some of the business tycoons, those that are of high class, if they’re coming into Zamfara, they need that security arrangement, and the VIP Guards all bear arms. That’s how it is,” he stressed.

Further findings by LEADERSHIP Sunday reveal that the command has strengthened its cooperation with other security agencies. It has engaged in specialised training for Agro Rangers to specifically address challenges related to kidnapping and banditry in rural areas. These advancements in 2025 and 2026 have been characterized by increased collaboration with the state government, which has led to better-equipped operatives in the field.

Recently, as part of it strides , the Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps paraded two suspected members of a motorcycle-snatching syndicate.

The parade followed arrests made on April 24 and April 26, 2026, as part of the Command’s renewed offensive against violent crimes targeting commercial motorcyclists across the state, a development residents said was leading to relief on the streets of Gusau

Taken together, these  latest developments underscore a security architecture in Zamfara State that is steadily evolving, more coordinated, and increasingly proactive in its response to emerging threats. From strengthened inter-agency collaboration to targeted training for specialised units like the Agro Rangers, and sustained offensives against criminal syndicates, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps continues to demonstrate resilience and commitment in the face of complex security challenges.

Above all, the dedication, courage, and professionalism of  Civil Defence officers in the field remain the backbone of these achievements. Their sacrifices in protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure stand as a testament to the Corps’ enduring mandate. As the security landscape continues to shift, sustained morale, improved welfare, and consistent operational backing will be key to ensuring that the Corps not only maintains its gains but surpasses them in the years ahead.