Insecurity and insurgency are two of the highest threats facing all Nigerians. Because of this, the demand for armoured vehicles has skyrocketed as Nigerians seek to protect their lives. Unlike regular vehicles, armoured vehicles guarantee extra layers of protection that are able to withstand impact from bullets, firearms and other projectiles. Considering these added features, armoured vehicles are more expensive than regular vehicles.
Even though civilians can use armoured vehicles, only a few Nigerians are able to afford them.
Types of Owners of Armoured Cars in Nigeria
Possible owners of armoured vehicles in Nigeria could include:
- Government officials: Armored vehicles are commonly used by high-ranking government officials in Nigeria, including politicians, governors, and ministers.
- Diplomats: Diplomatic missions and foreign dignitaries in Nigeria often use armoured vehicles for their safety and security.
- Business executives: Businessmen and women who are wealthy or run high-profile companies in Nigeria may also use armoured vehicles to protect themselves and their families.
- Celebrities: High-profile celebrities in Nigeria may also use armoured vehicles for their safety and security.
- Private security firms: Private security firms in Nigeria may use armoured vehicles to provide security for their clients, especially for those in high-risk areas or who are at risk of attack.
- Wealthy individuals: High-net-worth individuals who want to protect themselves and their families from potential threats may also opt for armoured vehicles.
It’s important to note that while these are possible owners of armoured vehicles in Nigeria, there may be other individuals or organizations that also use armoured vehicles for various reasons.
Below is a list of possible prominent owners of armoured vehicles in Nigeria;
Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari, the president of Nigeria and Chief commander of the armed forces is one of a few who rides gallantly in armoured vehicles. The nature of President Buhari’s duties and responsibilities demands that he is protected as there could be enemies of the President waiting to see him dead. For a man of such stature and Calibre, President Buhari is well able to afford any fully armoured vehicle of his choice.
In his fleet of cars, a common armoured vehicle the President uses is the Mercedes Benz S550 reported to cost 180 million NGN. The president often uses this bespoke sedan as his official car.
Under the hood of the S-550 is either a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine on the S500 or a 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 on the S580. Both powertrains are supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system (called EQ Boost) and pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Yemi Osinbajo
Just like the President, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is another owner of armoured cars in Nigeria. Born on 8 March 1957, Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo has been serving as the Vice President of Nigeria since May 2015. Prior to his inauguration as Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo served as Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Professor of Law and pastor-in-charge of Lagos Province 48, Olive Tree Provincial Headquarters Parish, Ikoyi.
Yemi Osinbajo has a staggering net worth estimated at $5 million. As a serving leader of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo demands the best protection while he is about his business on the road. Being a wealthy politician, the Vice president is able to afford the luxury of various armoured vehicles. Similar to President Buhari’s official armoured vehicle, Yemi Osinbajo also uses an armoured Mercedes Benz S 550 for his official duties.
Dino Melaye
Dino Melaye is a former Nigerian senator and once a member of the House of Representatives. Serving as a senator, Dino Melaye represented the Kogi West Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party. Senator Dino Melaye is one of the few senators who has stirred controversy in Nigeria with his attitudes and words.
Former Senator Dino Malaye has an almost insatiable taste in automobiles. His fleet of cars costs billions of naira, and he is not ashamed to flaunt his cars on his social media pages. According to him, while others have a passion for blood, diamonds, cocaine etc, he has a passion for automobiles and he is ready to get spendy on them.
In 2020, the wealthy senator acquired two luxurious, customized bulletproof cars. Melaye’s bulletproof cars, He bought himself an armoured G-Wagon Limousine and a Toyota Land Cruiser. The black G-Wagon came with a customised bar, a stool, and a TV. The Land Cruiser also came with a customised mini bar, a frame, and screens. The G-Wagon cost 1.2 million dollars (632 Million NGN), and the two cars together reportedly cost 726,000,000 NGN. The armoured vehicles also came with a customized number plate, SDM, an abbreviation for Senator Dino Melaye.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, born June 25, 1965, is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Lagos State since 2019. A scholar and an intelligent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a graduate of the University of Lagos, as well as the London Business School, Lagos Business School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Before becoming the governor of Lagos State, he was the managing director and CEO of Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC).
The wealthy politician is also amongst the possible owners of armoured vehicles in Nigeria. It is reported that Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State uses armoured vehicles as official cars. Peculiar amongst his official vehicles is the Range Rover Sentinel.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Range Rover is customized with armoured glass, undercarriage/roof blast protection, and an emergency escape system located in the rear luggage compartment for quick getaways for armoured protection. Powering this armoured, luxurious car is a 375-hp 5.0-litre supercharged V-8 engine.
Davido
Davido makes it to the list of possible owners of armoured vehicles in Nigeria. Popular music producer, entertainer and song artist Davido are often involved in various trips for leisure and showbiz.
It’s commonplace for thousands, even millions, of people to crowd whatever place Davido is performing. Davido is a wealthy and successful artist with a net worth estimated at 8.5 billion NGN. Davido has a luxurious and expensive fleet of cars. Amongst this fleet, it’s expected that one or two may be armoured for extra security for the famous pop star. Suspected armoured vehicles of Davido include his Mercedes Benz G-Wagon which he bought for over 70 million NGN and his Rolls Royce Cullinan which he recently acquired for about ₦163.3 million – $340,350.
CONCLUSION
In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for armoured vehicles in Nigeria, as the country continues to face security challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Some companies in Nigeria specialize in the sale and installation of armoured vehicles, and they cater to a diverse range of clients, from private individuals to corporate organizations.
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