The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has requested presidential approval to recruit about 30,000 additional personnel, citing increased pressure on the agency stemming from its expanded responsibilities, particularly in protecting Very Important Persons.

The request was made after a meeting held last month involving President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi.

This proposed recruitment is separate from the ongoing 30,000 personnel recruitment currently being carried out across the paramilitary services.

The engagement came amid a surge in requests for VIP escort services nationwide 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 informed discussions with the President, during which the NSCDC leadership sought approval to recruit additional personnel.

An officer familiar with the development told newsmen that the president gave assurances that the request would be favourably considered, “with plans underway to recruit about 30,000 new operatives to strengthen the corps.”