By Milcah Tanimu

Amidst the prevalent wave of abductions across the nation, there has been a notable uptick in the demand for bulletproof vehicles by Very Important Persons (VIPs) and affluent individuals in Nigeria, reports The PUNCH.

Armoured vehicle dealers, interviewed by The PUNCH, affirmed an increased sales trend in customised bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicles, coinciding with the escalation of the kidnapping crisis. Armed groups, operating from various forests, have been infiltrating major cities, conducting abductions, and demanding exorbitant ransoms in recent weeks.

In response to the escalating insecurity, victims and families are resorting to crowdfunding for ransom, despite warnings from the Federal Government and police against such practices, citing potential exacerbation of the kidnap-for-ransom crisis.

Armoured vehicle firms disclosed that prominent individuals and the wealthy are bolstering personal and family security through the acquisition of customised vehicles. The Sales Manager of Inkas Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing Nigeria, Mr Haresh Jethmalanito, acknowledged a surge in demand for armoured vehicles, attributing it to the deteriorating security situation in the country.

However, Jethmalanito expressed concern about the impact of high customs duties and fluctuating foreign exchange rates on their business. He noted that the prices of armoured vehicles have risen due to increased demand, while the customs duties and forex rates have posed significant challenges.

Mark Burton, the President of Armor Max Vehicles, confirmed the heightened demand for armoured vehicles and highlighted the challenge posed by currency fluctuations. He stated that clients typically spend between $35,000 and $90,000 on both the armoured components and the vehicle itself. Burton emphasized that the devaluation of the naira against the dollar has substantially increased costs.

Tonye Edwin, the Managing Director of Globaton Services Ltd, noted a surge in demand for armoured vehicles in December, leading to increased prices. He highlighted the impact of the security situation on the heightened demand, especially among those traveling to the South-East.

Addressing the security challenge, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) pledged support to security agencies in leveraging technology to combat kidnappings. The Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, assured close collaboration with security agencies and vowed to sanction telecommunication firms involved in illegal SIM card registration. Maida emphasized the NCC’s commitment to implementing the right regulations to enhance the telecom industry’s positioning and address data security breaches.