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INSECURITY: Demand for bullet-proof vehicles, special security gadgets surges
• VIPs, politicians, others procure armoured SUVs, demand overwhelms dealers
As preparations for the 2023 general elections gain momentum amid a worsening security situation across the country, the demands for bullet-proof Sports Utility Vehicles have increased significantly.
Investigations by The PUNCH correspondents over the weekend indicate that Very Important Personalities,VIPs, top chieftains and candidates of political parties have been procuring customized vehicles that offer special protection in the run-up to the campaigns and elections.
About three weeks ago, there was an attempted assassination of the lawmaker representing the Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Four persons, including police aides, were killed by gunmen who opened fire on the senator’s convoy at the Enugwu-Ukwu junction, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State while he was on his way to his country home in Nnewi.
The Young Progressives Party senator, who is seeking re-election to the Senate in the 2023 general elections, however, escaped death as he was riding in a bullet-proof SUV.
“If not for the bullet-proof SUV the senator was riding in, he would have been dead by now. We were passing the Enugwu-Ukwu junction when they hit us from all sides,” Ubah’s media assistant, Mr Kameh Ogbonna, reportedly said.
In 2017, Dino Melaye, the senator representing Kogi West, escaped death when unknown gunmen attacked him during a rally in Lokoja. His vehicle was riddled with bullets but he narrowly survived the attack.
But a former special adviser to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, was not so lucky as he was shot dead while on his way to Owerri airport in May 2021.
Apart from ordering armoured vehicles, it was also learnt that politicians were applying for special police protection and procuring other security wares.
The use of armoured vehicles is regulated by the Office of the National Security Adviser but approval or end-user certificate is granted to private individuals who have evidence of a threat to their lives.
Checks indicate that armoured vehicles could be customised with reinforced suspension, run-flat tires, armoured battery, radiator and fuel tank protection as well as fortified doors, ballistic windows and windshield. These are meant to provide maximum protection to occupants of armoured vehicles during an attack.
Suppliers speak
Confirming the increase in orders for armoured vehicles, the President, Armor Max, Mr Mark Burton said his company had been getting orders from clients, noting that sales were very good in March.
Burton, who said his firm had been importing bullet-proof vehicles into Nigeria for the past 20 years, explained that the high demand was inspired by the political season.
Speaking in a telephone interview from the United States, he said, ‘’We are a United States-based company, we have been based in Nigeria for six years now. We have been armouring cars and sending them to Nigeria for 20 years.
“Obviously, with the political season and the unrest (insecurity), there is obviously a high demand. We have been working with government officials, diplomats, senators, and businesses. There are a lot of things that go into armouring (vehicles).
“It depends on the needs. Sometimes, it is for political purposes, other times, it is for church groups that just need transport for their pastors to and from church and their home.’’
According to the American, Armor Max has been undertaking bullet-proof windscreen replacements and other special vehicle servicing, admitting that its profits had increased due to the increased request for its services.
Asked if sales had increased in recent times, Burton said, ‘’Yes, we are making a profit, but right now, we are doing a lot of replacements. There are lots of bullet-proof vehicles in Nigeria, so we are doing lots of servicing; if someone needs a bullet-proof windshield, we do that.
“We armour vehicles and do servicing. We are making a profit in Nigeria; we get constant sales with people asking for upgrades. Right now, we are working on Jaguars; we do all the Land Cruisers and Prados. In the US, we do Rolls-Royce and Bentley but in Nigeria, we do more of Lexus LX570. In different months, there are different orders or projects.’’
When asked about the categories of his clients and his most profitable month, the businessman stated, ‘’It is hard to know who is placing the orders but our busiest month was in March. March was a crazy time because we were working with a lot of security companies.
“Since March, it’s dropped off a little bit but I see a lot of people before the end of the year wanting to get bullet-proof cars, so we are kind of ramping up (supplies) before the end of the year.’’
Approvals taking time
Burton disclosed that he obtained end-users certificates which enabled him to import the armoured vehicles into the country, adding that the official approval process takes time.
“But we still have products on the ground; it’s just on a case-by-case basis. We make sure we adhere to the local needs in Nigeria. We are trying to make sure the people who need our products get our products.’’
Asked if the insecurity in the country had indirectly benefited his firm, Burton said, ‘’Yes, but we don’t want the world to be unsafe but all we are trying to do is create solutions to different problems.’’
He added, ‘’It’s not because we want violence but because things have been happening and all we are trying to do is create solutions. We have products that can help you have peace of mind. We also get orders from the Nigerian government and private businesses in Nigeria.’’
The Sales Manager, Inkas Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing Nigeria, Mr Haresh Jethmalanito, also affirmed that the armoured vehicle market is presently booming, noting that dealers were making brisk business.
But he lamented that his company was not benefitting from the boom because of the long time it takes to procure the end-user certificate from the ONSA.
He said, “The demand is there in the market, but for us, there is no demand from politicians. They want to see the cars they want to buy. The demand is there, I can’t deny it; only we can’t materialise (fulfil) it because it takes three to four months (to import the cars). But oil and gas companies and telecommunications firms can afford to wait. Those are our main customers.’’
He noted, ‘’People are inquiring about buying but I have not seen any serious customers for now; maybe because prices are very high because of naira devaluation. So, people hear the price and keep quiet.
“The politicians who make requests and didn’t buy from us can’t wait for three or four months. They want to see the car and take it; they want instant delivery.
“The politicians don’t bother about anything, they just drop the cash, any amount. We can’t keep the vehicles on the ground because we have to apply for the end-user certificates before we import. We follow the procedures, we can’t do things like other people. We don’t want any problems in the future.
“Politicians don’t come to us, they go to where they see the car; they inquire from their sources who have cars available on the ground and they buy the available ones. So, it is very difficult for us.
“Our prices are the highest in Nigeria because we pay 100 per cent duty. We do everything legal; we don’t do it like other people. Maybe they (politicians) hear from us and buy from other people.’’
Highlighting the vehicle models preferred by his Nigerian customers, the manager said, ‘’Normally, I always sell Landcruiser and Lexus model of vehicles; the cheapest is the Landcruiser. The Lexus is very costly now. We don’t keep them, it is based on orders. We apply for an end-user certificate; the process is very tough.’’
Jethmalanito, however, said multinational firms, embassies and telecom companies placed orders regularly because ‘’they don’t trust the (open) market.’’
The chief executive of a prominent supplier of armoured vehicles, who spoke to one of our correspondents on the condition of anonymity, said demand was rising, especially from politicians but the security agencies were closely monitoring the supply of bullet-proof vehicles and other security wares.
He said, “We are being careful because of the times we are in. Yes, politicians need armoured vehicles to protect themselves. Definitely! It can provide all the safety, just as Ifeanyi Ubah could have been dead by now if not for the vehicle.”
Dealers react
A car dealer, simply identified as Mr Frank, who also markets special protection vehicles, said the business had become profitable lately.
“Politicians are getting bullet-proof cars, they are buying gradually. But when they come for transactions, we don’t ask if they are politicians. We give them what they want. I don’t import bullet-proof vehicles, I market for others,’’ he clarified.
The Proprietor of Megalio Motors, Mike Omere, said he recently sold an armoured SUV to a politician who wanted to travel to the South-South.
“A politician just bought (a vehicle) so he can travel to the South-South. The cheapest you can buy is an old Landcruiser for N18m. The 2022 model bullet-proof Landcruiser goes for N198m while the G-Wagon of the same year costs over N380m,’’ he stated.
The Managing Director, Globaton Services Limited, Mr Tonye Edwin, who leases out armoured vehicles, expressed the confidence that those who need his products would soon place orders.
“I believe that in the coming days, people will lease our vehicles for campaigns. Politicians lease our vehicles. Most of the calls we get are inquiries but we are prepared to provide services to clients,’’ he assured.
Speaking on the development, Eddy Olafeso and Rufus Aiyenigba, chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Social Democratic Party, respectively, called for caution.
In separate interviews with The PUNCH, the duo said the ordinary man on the street needed protection as much as the politicians ahead of the 2023 polls.
According to Olafeso, a former South-West Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, “If politicians get bullet-proof vehicles while the common man is left unprotected, what have we achieved? It is escapist and selfish to procure bullet-proof vehicles because not every Nigerian can afford one.
“The security agencies should do their job. Yes, prayer is good but it shouldn’t take the place of the role placed on our security personnel,” he said.
On his part, the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP, Aiyenigba, said, “Who is demanding these vehicles? It can’t be the common man struggling to eat decent meals. The bullet-proof vehicles we need are food, security and welfare for every Nigerian.”
Security experts kick
Retired military personnel, Col Hassan Stan-Labo (retd.), said politicians were rushing to purchase bullet-proof vehicles because they are very vulnerable, having failed to use public resources judiciously.
He said “It is obvious that they need to rush to buy bullet-proof vehicles because they need to protect themselves. And of course, they need to protect themselves because they have not done what they were expected to have done with all the resources placed at their disposal. So, they have not only ended up making the citizens vulnerable but they themselves have become vulnerable.
A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, sees nothing wrong in politicians acquiring armoured vehicles for their personal safety if they can afford it.
He stated, “Yes, if they have the money they have to do so. This is because there is insecurity in the land. If it’s affordable, then it’s fine. Your life is important first and foremost; before you protect another person you have to first protect yourself. You are not questioning their source of income; they have to live. I want to conclude this conversation with let us pray generally for the nation, let us have a better Nigeria.”
A security expert, Mr Chidi Omeje, noted that the procurement of armoured vehicles by politicians for personal protection showed the level of insecurity in the country, and the political elite’s selfishness.
He noted, “Technically, people have the right to protect their lives. However, would the elite be able to procure armoured vehicles for their entourage and aides, or would they just be left to die when they get attacked?
Pro-democracy groups worry
Two civil rights organisations under the aegis of Yiaga Africa and Transition Monitoring Groups said it was a dangerous signal and reflection of what to expect in the campaigns.
The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo and Chairman of TMG, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said these in separate interviews with The PUNCH.
Itodo said, “It’s not unsurprising, given the nation’s multidimensional security crisis. However, it provides insight into the nature, temperature and dynamics we should expect this campaign season. It’s important to consider this an early warning sign and begin the process of neutralising these threats of violence.”
Speaking in the same vein, Rafsanjani said, “It is unfortunate that some politicians have created conditions for political violence in Nigeria taking advantage of the hopeless situation of young people who are forced out of university due to the government’s refusal to support proper functioning of our university system.’’
According to him, the purchase of armoured vehicles by politicians ahead of the campaigns is a clear indication that they want to promote violence to win elections.
Reacting to the development, the Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, Idayat Hassan, expressed worries that the campaigns might not be violence-free.
She noted, “We have to acknowledge that the country is insecure and the ability to campaign in every part of the country without being attacked by either political thugs or criminal elements like bandits is becoming a challenge and that is why people are moving up to self-protection.’’
Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday directed the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services to carry out a thorough investigation towards fishing out those behind the dastardly attack on the convoy of Senator Ubah some weeks ago. (The PUNCH)
News
Power Belongs To Allah, He Can Take It From Me And Give Another Person, Tinubu Says During Mecca Visit
President Bola Tinubu has said that political power belongs to Allah, who has the authority to give it to anyone and take it away, declaring that those entrusted with leadership must exercise it in accordance with God’s dictates.
Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where he was granted access to enter and pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing from Allah, adding that he recognised that his position as President and Commander-in-Chief was not something he could claim to have attained solely through human effort.
Speaking about his understanding of divine authority, Tinubu said Allah was the ultimate giver and taker of power and that anyone who received such a privilege must use it responsibly.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,” Tinubu said.
He described his emergence as President as a special favour from God, given the large number of people in the country.
“Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.
The President also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Ka’abah, describing the experience as historic.
He said the green-white-green colours on the fencing around the Ka’abah reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.
“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince.”
Tinubu was accompanied on the pilgrimage by several members of his cabinet, governors and business leaders.
Those in the delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders accompanying him included BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.
The President’s remarks come amid his administration’s continued efforts to defend its policies and record in office.
…Highlights civic engagement, women’s empowerment, financial transparency and democratic development
OK Movement USA has reaffirmed its organisational independence and clarified its relationship with the broader OK Movement in Nigeria, stressing that cooperation between the two organisations does not automatically imply common financial control, candidate authorisation or a direct political-party relationship.
The organisation made this clarification in a press statement issued in Washington, D.C., on November 1, 2026, in which it outlined its identity, operational structure and commitment to democratic development, civic participation, good governance and community development.
According to the statement, OK Movement USA is a registered nonprofit organisation in the United States established to promote civic engagement, democratic values, responsible public participation and the welfare of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The organisation explained that it operates with its own leadership, governance structure, operational responsibilities and institutional objectives.
It stressed that although it shares aspirations for a better Nigeria with the broader movement in the country, its organisational identity and responsibilities remain distinct.
Recognition of OK Movement Nigeria’s Grassroots Network
OK Movement USA acknowledged the grassroots organisational efforts of OK Movement Nigeria, noting that its network of coordinators, zonal leaders, state women leaders, volunteers and community representatives extends across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement also highlighted the movement’s presence at the local government, ward and polling-unit levels, describing the structures as a valuable platform for promoting civic education, public enlightenment and constructive democratic engagement.
The US-based organisation said cooperation between the two structures could support initiatives aimed at strengthening public participation and raising awareness of democratic responsibilities across Nigeria.
However, it maintained that such cooperation should not be interpreted as establishing common financial control or automatically authorising either organisation to act on behalf of the other.
Addresses National Political Developments
The organisation also acknowledged the growing national conversation surrounding former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the wider aspirations of Nigerians seeking responsible leadership and democratic progress.
It said its engagement with these national aspirations was informed by its commitment to democratic values, accountable leadership, public transparency, economic opportunity and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The statement did not establish any formal endorsement of a political candidate or party.
OK Movement USA further emphasised that its activities and financial decisions are governed by internal procedures and applicable legal requirements.
It said the organisation remained committed to lawful cooperation with grassroots structures in Nigeria on initiatives promoting good governance, civic awareness and responsible democratic participation.
Identifies Civic Education, Accountability as Priorities
Outlining its areas of focus, OK Movement USA said it would continue to promote awareness of democratic rights, civic responsibilities and electoral processes.
It also identified informed public dialogue, government accountability, lawful voter sensitisation, transparency and peaceful participation as important components of its work.
According to the statement, the organisation intends to support initiatives that strengthen public confidence in democratic processes and encourage citizens to participate responsibly in national development.
It added that its activities would be implemented in accordance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
Prioritises Women’s Empowerment, Youth Development
The organisation identified women’s empowerment, youth development, healthcare awareness, education and support for vulnerable communities among its principal areas of interest.
It said its ongoing Women Affairs Podcast Series was designed to amplify women’s voices and provide a platform for discussions involving professionals, community leaders and Nigerians in the diaspora.
The programme focuses on issues including healthcare, girl-child education, women’s empowerment, civic awareness and national development.
OK Movement USA also expressed its intention to encourage support for women-focused initiatives across Nigeria, including healthcare interventions, educational opportunities, community empowerment and good governance.
The organisation said it would provide lawful educational, organisational and logistical support for approved civic initiatives while building stronger connections between Nigerians abroad and communities at home.
Pledges Financial Transparency, Legal Compliance
On funding and financial management, OK Movement USA said it recognised the importance of responsible fundraising, transparency, proper documentation and compliance with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where it operates.
It explained that funds independently raised by the organisation were intended to support duly authorised and legally permissible initiatives, including civic education, community engagement, women’s empowerment, public enlightenment and other approved development programmes.
The organisation pledged to maintain appropriate financial oversight, responsible disbursement procedures, accurate recordkeeping and accountability to supporters and relevant regulatory authorities.
It further stated that cross-border financial support and operational collaboration would be subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
The statement specifically highlighted the need to distinguish lawful civic initiatives from regulated political campaign financing.
Calls for Greater Diaspora Participation in Nigeria’s Development
OK Movement USA called on Nigerians in the diaspora to play a more active role in addressing the country’s challenges and supporting sustainable development.
It noted that Nigerians living abroad possess professional expertise, knowledge, financial resources and experience that could contribute positively to national development.
The organisation said diaspora communities should go beyond observing developments in Nigeria from a distance and become responsible participants in efforts to promote meaningful progress.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civic consciousness, building bridges between Nigerians at home and abroad, encouraging responsible public participation and supporting initiatives centred on citizens’ welfare.
According to the statement, meaningful change requires informed citizenship, institutional accountability, constructive cooperation and a shared commitment to building a better society.
The statement was signed by Patrick Esoro, Coordinator of OK Movement USA, and Victor Ben Onyeka, Director of Media and Communications.
The organisation provided its website as www.okmovementusa.org and listed secretariat@okmovementusa.org as its official email address.
By Tony Edike
The Association of Former Legislators of the Enugu State House of Assembly (AELESHA) has endorsed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term in office, citing his administration’s infrastructure development, governance reforms and commitment to economic growth.
The former lawmakers also adopted all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections, urging the people of Enugu State to support the party at all levels.
The resolutions were contained in a communique issued after the association’s strategic engagement and special meeting held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at La Nueva Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu.
The meeting brought together former legislators from the third, fourth and fifth sessions of the Enugu State House of Assembly for discussions on governance, development and the political future of the state.
In the communique, AELESHA said it had closely monitored developments in Enugu State since Mbah assumed office in 2023, commending the governor for what it described as significant achievements backed by verifiable projects, policies and strategic leadership.
The association highlighted the rehabilitation of legacy assets, including the International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential, Nigergas, United Palm Produce Limited and Enugu Vegetable Oil Products Limited.
It also cited the construction of 260 smart schools, primary healthcare centres, the Enugu International Hospital, modern bus terminals and the development of Enugu Air as evidence of the administration’s commitment to transforming the state.
Other projects identified by the former lawmakers include the establishment of a Haier manufacturing factory through a reported $20 million foreign direct investment, the construction of rural and urban roads, improvements in the state’s security architecture and the development of the New Enugu City.
On security, the association commended the establishment of a Command and Control Centre, supported by CCTV cameras, police patrol vehicles and modern security equipment, describing the measures as important steps towards strengthening security across the state.
AELESHA further noted that the administration’s development initiatives, driven by its Tomorrow Is Here mantra, had contributed to the state’s progress in human development.
Adopts Mbah as Sole Governorship Candidate
Reaffirming its support for continuity in governance, the association declared Mbah its sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
It also called on residents of Enugu State to vote for APC candidates across all elective positions, maintaining that a continuation of the current administration would sustain the state’s development agenda.
The former legislators disclosed that they had compiled a document titled Governor Mbah’s Impressive Scorecard, which they described as a working document detailing the administration’s achievements across various sectors over the past three years.
According to the communique, the document captures what the association described as approximately 10,000 milestones and achievements recorded by the administration.
The group also expressed its intention to seek an audience with the governor to formally present the document through a delegation of former lawmakers.
Commends Appointments, Seeks Greater Inclusion
The association commended Mbah for appointing some of its members to public offices, describing the appointments as recognition of the experience and contributions of former legislators to governance.
It specifically mentioned Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, the governor’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Chinedu Nwamba, who, according to the communique, was appointed to the board of the Nigeria Integrated Projects and Zones Authority (NIPZA).
AELESHA requested that the governor consider more former lawmakers for appointments, arguing that their inclusion would promote human empowerment, development and broader citizen participation in governance.
The association also praised Nnajiofor for his efforts to maintain cordial relations between the executive and legislative arms of government.
It described his regular strategic engagements with serving and former lawmakers as commendable and result-oriented.
Applauds Review of Tricycle Charges
The former legislators also commended the governor for the recent review of tax charges and ticketing fares for tricycle operators, as well as the extension of their permitted operating hours to 10 p.m.
The association described the measures as people-oriented policies that would ease the burden on operators and improve their working conditions.
Seeks Representation on APC Campaign Council
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, AELESHA requested representation on the forthcoming Enugu State APC Campaign Council.
The association said some of its members were willing to serve, citing their years of legislative experience, leadership capacity and knowledge of political mobilisation.
It also urged political leaders and candidates across the state to shun violence and embrace peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former lawmakers stressed the importance of maintaining peace, political tolerance and responsible conduct throughout the electioneering period.
The communique was issued following the association’s strategic engagement, hosted by Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative Matters.
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