Armored Against Reality: Nigeria's Elite and the Paradox of Bulletproof Security

 

As Nigeria's insecurity escalates, the elite's preference for bulletproof vehicles over systemic solutions speaks volumes about the prevailing disconnect between power and responsibility.

In the vibrant heart of Africa, Nigeria stands as a nation steeped in rich culture and abundant resources, yet it is currently ensnared in a deeply troubling paradox. This paradox is starkly evident in the actions of its politicians and the wealthy elite, who, faced with escalating insecurity and rampant violence, are choosing a path of personal fortification rather than addressing the root causes of these issues. Rather than spearheading initiatives to enhance safety and stability for all, these individuals are increasingly turning to bulletproof vehicles as their preferred means of protection. This trend has created a jarring divide within the society: on one side are the affluent and powerful, ensconced in their armored sanctuaries on wheels, moving through the country insulated from its realities; on the other side is the vast majority of the population, left exposed and vulnerable, bearing the brunt of the nation's security challenges. This dichotomy not only highlights the deep socio-economic disparities within Nigeria but also raises critical questions about the commitment of its leaders to genuinely safeguarding their constituents and resolving the underlying issues plaguing the nation.

In plain terms, recent times have seen a disturbing wave of abductions across Nigeria. This rampant kidnapping epidemic, carried out by armed gangs infiltrating major cities and urban centers, has not only terrorized citizens but has also driven a sharp increase in the demand for bulletproof vehicles among politicians, Very Important Persons (VIPs), and wealthy individuals. This surge in demand is not a mere anecdote but a well-documented trend, as confirmed by leading armored vehicle dealers.

Haresh Jethmalanito, the Sales Manager of Inkas Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing Nigeria, vividly depicted this trend. He reported a significant boom in the armoured vehicle market, explicitly linking it to the worsening insecurity. Jethmalanito, however, lamented the challenges posed by high customs duties and fluctuating foreign exchange rates, which have complicated the business, even as demand soared.

The price tags on these armored sanctuaries are staggering. Mark Burton, President of Armor Max Vehicles, revealed that the costs for armoring a vehicle range from $35,000 to $90,000. This high cost is further exacerbated by the naira-to-dollar exchange rate challenges, which have seen a dramatic shift from N300 to over N1,400 to $1. The irony is bitter - as violence and insecurity escalate, so does the necessity for these costly protections.

Tonye Edwin, Managing Director of Globaton Services Ltd, echoed this sentiment, noting a particular spike in demand during December, just before the festive period. This seasonal surge in demand inevitably led to an increase in the prices of these vehicles, reflecting the dire situation the country finds itself in.

In the face of this security crisis, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged its support to the security agencies. The Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, during an interactive meeting with editors and bureau chiefs in Abuja, committed to enhancing the capability of security agencies through technology. This includes addressing the SIM-NIN linkage issue to better track and apprehend kidnappers. Maida's commitment comes in the wake of his appointment by President Bola Tinubu and forms part of his vision to reposition the telecom industry, focusing on data security breaches and the regulation of SIM card allocation.

As Nigeria's elite cocoon themselves in armored vehicles, a glaring question emerges: Why is there a reliance on personal security measures rather than a collective effort to tackle the root cause of the insecurity? The scenario presents an irony where those in power, who have the means to effect change, choose instead to isolate themselves from the very problems plaguing the nation. The disparity between the protected lives of the wealthy and the exposed vulnerability of the average Nigerian could not be more pronounced.

The situation is a stark reminder of the broader issues of governance and public policy. While the acquisition of bulletproof vehicles might offer temporary safety for a few, it does nothing to address the underlying security challenges facing the country. The reliance on personal armor, both literal and figurative, highlights a deeper societal issue – the inclination to opt for individualistic solutions over collective action for the common good.

As Nigeria contends with this period of profound turmoil, the escalating demand for bulletproof vehicles among the nation's wealthy and influential figures transcends mere market dynamics. This phenomenon serves as a poignant symbol of the deeper, more systemic issues afflicting the society. As was noted above, it paints a picture of a social order where personal safety has become a paramount concern, often at the expense of broader communal well-being. In this context, the response to the pervasive threat of violence and insecurity has predominantly been one of self-preservation, characterized by a tendency to seek refuge behind the armored walls of high-end vehicles. This approach, however, sidesteps the crucial need to address the root causes of the unrest that plagues the nation. It underscores a prevailing mindset where immediate, individualistic measures of safety are prioritized over collaborative efforts to tackle the underlying problems.

This situation in Nigeria, where the response to danger is more about personal fortification than collective problem-solving, calls for a critical reassessment of societal priorities. It urges a paradigm shift from relying on individual armor - both in the literal and metaphorical sense - to embracing a more unified and strategic approach towards security. For Nigeria to traverse a path towards a more stable and secure future, there needs to be a collective commitment to shared responsibility and proactive problem-solving. Security must transform from being a privilege accessible to a select few into a fundamental right enjoyed by all citizens. Only with this shift in perspective and approach can Nigeria aspire to build a society where safety and security are not exclusive commodities, but rather, common realities woven into the fabric of everyday life, accessible and assured for every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status.