Rising Insecurity Spurs Surge in Demand for Bulletproof Vehicles Among VIPs and Wealthy Nigerians
As the spate of abductions continues to grip the nation, there has been a notable surge in the demand for bulletproof vehicles by Very Important Persons (VIPs) and affluent individuals, according to reports obtained by The PUNCH.
Armoured vehicle dealers, speaking to The PUNCH, confirmed a significant uptick in sales of customised bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) since the escalation of the kidnapping epidemic.
In recent weeks, armed criminal gangs operating from various forests have intensified their incursions into major cities and urban centres, perpetrating abductions and demanding exorbitant ransoms.
Amidst this unsettling security landscape, victims and families of abductees have resorted to crowdfunding for ransom from relatives, acquaintances, and social media platforms, despite warnings from the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies regarding the potential exacerbation of the kidnap-for-ransom crisis.
Armoured vehicle firms revealed that prominent individuals and wealthy families have bolstered their personal and familial security by investing in customised armoured vehicles.
Mr. Haresh Jethmalani, Sales Manager at Inkas Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing Nigeria, highlighted the burgeoning demand in the armoured vehicle market, attributing it to the worsening insecurity nationwide.
Jethmalani cited challenges such as high customs duties and fluctuating foreign exchange rates as factors affecting business operations but declined to disclose specific client details or sales figures.
Similarly, Mark Burton, President of Armor Max Vehicles, corroborated the increased demand for armoured vehicles, emphasizing the impact of currency fluctuations on pricing.
Burton noted that clients typically spend between $35,000 and $90,000 on armouring services in addition to vehicle costs, with imported armouring materials contributing to rising expenses amidst currency challenges.
The surge in demand for bulletproof vehicles underscores the prevailing apprehension surrounding personal safety and security, as individuals seek to mitigate the risks posed by escalating insecurity across the nation.
