According to reporting by The Nation, the Nigeria Police Force has expressed grave concern over the increasing trend of masked individuals providing unauthorized security services to Very Important Persons (VIPs). The Force Headquarters warned that the use of face coverings by private or state-attached security makes it impossible to distinguish between legitimate personnel and criminal elements or “unknown gunmen.”
The Inspector-General of Police has reportedly ordered a crackdown on the practice, insisting that all security details must be identifiable while on duty. The police emphasize that the proliferation of masked guards poses a significant risk to public safety and complicates tactical responses during security emergencies in urban centers.
Daily Post noted that “this practice has become common among political aides,” while Tribune cited security experts who warned that “masked guards create a climate of fear and lack of accountability.”
Echotitbits take: This is a much-needed move to restore professional optics to Nigerian security. Masked guards often operate with a sense of impunity; removing the masks is the first step toward ensuring these details follow standard rules of engagement.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/concern-over-increasing-masked-security-personnel-protecting-vips-in-anambra/, April 7, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
