Operating in Nigeria? Speak with a security consultant.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy by GDP and the continent’s most populous country, with over 220 million people. Lagos is the commercial capital and the hub for international business across West Africa. Abuja, the federal capital, hosts embassies, government ministries, and a growing corporate sector.
The security environment varies significantly by city and region. Lagos and Abuja carry different threat profiles from the northeast of Nigeria, where FCDO advises against all travel due to Boko Haram and ISWAP activity. A Nigeria security assessment must specify the cities and regions involved, not treat the country as uniform.
The Lagos threat profile
Lagos concentrates most of the corporate travel to Nigeria and most of the security requirements. The city has a critical-severity crime rating from OSAC. Kidnapping, armed robbery, express kidnapping, and carjacking all operate at high levels. Ground transport management is the primary operational challenge.
FCDO rates the terrorism threat in Nigeria as ‘very likely’ even in Lagos, based on intelligence about soft-target threat intent from IS-West Africa and Boko Haram affiliates.
NSCDC-regulated market
Nigeria’s private security industry is regulated by the NSCDC. The quality gap between compliant professional operators and bottom-tier providers is enormous. Documented vetting to verifiable standards is not optional in the Nigerian market.
All our Nigeria operators hold current NSCDC registration. Licensed guards may not carry firearms on duty (Private Guard Companies Act, section 17), so ask which government agency provides any armed escort and on what authority.
Corporate operating norms
Companies with established Nigeria operations typically use vetted private drivers with tracked vehicles, vary routes, avoid night travel on major expressways, and maintain security contacts for rapid response. Armoured vehicles are used by HNWI clients and executives with known profiles.
A written pre-travel risk assessment is the correct starting point for any new Nigeria itinerary.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Nigeria. For a detailed local assessment, see our Lagos city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Lagos
Critical riskNigeria's commercial capital. Critical-severity crime, endemic kidnapping, and terrorism threat. Close protection and armoured vehicles standard for corporate clients.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
The Private Guard Companies Act (section 17) bars any person approved under the Act from bearing or possessing a firearm or ammunition in the course of duty, so private guards in Nigeria work unarmed. Firearms are licensed under the Firearms Act: prohibited firearms only by the President, personal firearms by the Inspector-General of Police. In late 2025 the President ordered police officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties, so confirm in writing which government agency, if any, will provide an armed escort before travel.
Licensing
Private guard companies are licensed by the Minister of Internal Affairs under the Private Guard Companies Act (Cap P30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, first made in 1986 as No. 23). The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps licenses, supervises and monitors them under the NSCDC Act No. 2 of 2003, as amended in 2007. A licence lasts 2 years, and each guard needs a separate approval before the company may employ them. Ask any provider for its current licence.
Foreign Operators
The Act provides for companies incorporated in Nigeria and wholly owned by Nigerians. Section 13 bars a licence or approval where a director, or the person seeking approval, is not a Nigerian citizen. A foreign company cannot hold the licence, and a foreign national cannot be approved as a guard. International clients engage a licensed Nigerian company. Take local legal advice on the role of any foreign adviser.
Sources, checked : Private Guard Companies Act, Cap P30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (PLAC copy); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, requirements for registration of a private guard company; Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (PLAC copy); 21st Century Chronicle, Police withdrawal from VIPs: can NSCDC, private guards fill the gap? (15 December 2025).