G4S Nigeria: Customers Increasing Security Arrangements For Post-Election Violence

For customers who remain operational, they can be reassured that G4S’s capabilities in Nigeria are some of the best; including Close Protection Officers, Secure Transportation Services, and Tracking and Response capabilities.

And due to growing demand, in January 2023 G4S increased its in-country workforce by 26% compared with the previous year.

Addressing the threat challenge

“We have strengthened our capabilities due to the very real threat of violence, especially pre, and post-election,” said Sid Odoi, G4S Nigeria’s Managing Director.

“Despite being Africa’s largest economy, we are seeing an increase in violent crime however, our in-country security experts are constantly rising to the challenges and delivering top-tier services for our customers."

Close Protection Officers (CPOs)

CPOs work with the Secure Transportation Services team, which provides staff, and crew transportation and recovery services

Demand for Close Protection Officers (CPOs) has increased as companies seek greater protection for their executives and employees as they travel.

CPOs work closely with the Secure Transportation Services team, which provides executive, staff, and crew transportation including scheduling, dispatching, and recovery services.

In-vehicle communications

Drivers and officers are trained to City & Guilds standards in defensive driving and close protection. Vehicles are equipped with mobile communications, vehicle tracking, trauma kits, and extinguishers.

In-vehicle communications mean the G4S control room can share live updates relating to incidents, road closures, and traffic collisions with the G4S team in the vehicle.

Tracking & response

G4S tracks vehicles by attaching a geo-tracking device, while individuals are tracked through an app

The capability to know the whereabouts of executives and employees in real-time is a service increasingly requested by customers, whether they are multinational or Nigeria-based. G4S tracks vehicles by attaching a geo-tracking device, while individuals are tracked through an app installed on their smartphones.

If a customer finds themselves facing a security threat, such as a protest or a crowd surrounding their building, they can call upon G4S’s response team for safe extraction. Working in partnership with the police, the response teams can deploy officers to investigate. Demand for G4S’s response services has increased by 30% in the build-up to the election. Equally the number of drivers and response officers has risen by the same percentage.

Using real-time and predictive data

One multinational with operations in Nigeria requires 40% more security officers and has increased patrols to 24 hours from 12 hours, in direct response to the election-related unrest.

They have done this as a precaution to deter potential criminals, protect their assets, and have seen the benefits of employing security officers who are using real-time and predictive data, evaluation, and technology to carry out strategic patrols.

Risk360

G4S’s own data analytics app, Risk360, allows security officers to create incident records remotely on-site

G4S’s own data analytics app, Risk360, allows security officers to create incident records remotely on-site. This data is analyzed to produce trend patterns and heat maps which allow for better planning of where resources are most needed.

Due to Risk360, this customer has seen 82 foiled thefts between January - June 2022 and eight arrests. The number of successful thefts dropped by more than a third during the same period. The trends feature showed that over the last 12 months, Thursdays and Fridays were days when thefts were most likely to occur. As such, G4S increased patrols during these evenings.

Saves time and money

“The use of data and analysis is helping us, and more importantly our customers, to make strategic decisions which are saving time and money."

"The benefits of Risk360 are staggering and we’re increasingly demonstrating this to our global customers here in Nigeria,” said Sid.

Daily intelligence bulletins

“We have a duty to inform and protect our customers to the best of our ability - which aligns with our company value to always put safety first. Ahead of the elections, we’ve been sending customers regular bulletins that capture potential security threats,” said Sid.

 This bulletin informs customers of high-risk areas and possible threats to be aware of. In the first bulletin, customers were provided with a Risk Heat Map detailing States that have perceived higher levels of risk to visit or work in.

Ensuring safe movement

Every day, customers receive a report which highlights any incidents of note from the day before

Every day, customers receive a report which highlights any incidents of note from the day before and, based on analysis of security data, informs them of events or large activities across different states.

“We expect a lot of footfall traffic over the next few weeks as supporters and protesters travel. Therefore it’s really important that customers are aware of what is happening across the country, and the Daily Intelligence Bulletin will help them plan for their day and make their movements safe and without disruption,” Sid continued.

Tips & advice

Whilst G4S has stepped up its services, customers are being advised on steps they can take to keep their people and assets safe, such as:

• Different areas of the country require different levels of CPO deployment. Movement within North-West, North-East, North-Central & South-East requires more CPOs, compared to the South-West & South-South of Nigeria.
• Rally and campaign areas should be avoided. If attendance is necessary for these regions, review your security arrangements in advance.
• If a customer suspects its employees are being monitored or trailed, drive to the nearest police station or public place and seek emergency assistance.