The reported killing of Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has once again brought to the fore, the growing security concerns facing high-profile individuals in Nigeria. The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and has launched a manhunt for those responsible.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. Every loss of life is a tragedy, and every Nigerian deserves to live and work in safety.
As a security professional, I will not speculate on the motive behind this incident or those responsible. That responsibility lies with the investigating authorities. However, this tragic event should serve as a wake-up call for organizations, political leaders, union executives, business leaders, and other high-profile individuals across Nigeria.
Security Is About Prevention, Not Reaction
Executive protection is often misunderstood as simply providing armed escorts or bodyguards. In reality, professional executive protection begins long before any attack occurs. It is about identifying vulnerabilities, assessing threats, planning movements, gathering intelligence, and preventing incidents before they happen.
Effective executive protection includes:
· Comprehensive threat and risk assessments.
· Protective surveillance and advance route planning.
· Defensive and evasive driving techniques.
· Secure convoy and journey management.
· Intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
· Emergency medical preparedness.
· Crisis response planning.
· Continuous security awareness training.
These measures are designed to reduce opportunities for criminals and increase the safety of those exposed to elevated risks.
A Changing Security Environment Requires a New Mindset
Across Africa, many of us have been raised to place our trust in spiritual protection, prayer, and traditional beliefs. These beliefs form an important part of our heritage, and for many people they provide strength, hope, and confidence.
However, in today’s security environment, faith and tradition alone should never replace practical security measures.
Unfortunately, some individuals develop a false sense of security, believing that spiritual protection alone is sufficient. Criminals do not assess their victims based on religious or traditional beliefs; they exploit weaknesses, predictable routines, inadequate planning, and poor security awareness.
As Nigeria prepares for another election cycle, history has shown that political activities can heighten tensions and increase security risks in many parts of the country. During such periods, politicians, transport union leaders, business executives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, election officials, and other influential personalities may become more exposed to threats.
This is not the time for complacency or ignorance.
The more visible, influential, or powerful an individual becomes, the greater the responsibility to invest in professional security planning. Personal safety should never be left to chance.
Faith should inspire wisdom, and wisdom should guide action. Taking practical steps to protect one’s life and the lives of others is not a sign of fear—it is a sign of responsibility.
Executive Protection Must Be Intelligence-Led
One of the greatest mistakes organisations make is waiting until after a tragedy before reviewing their security arrangements.
A modern executive protection programme should include:
· Regular vulnerability assessments.
· Daily intelligence briefings.
· Secure travel planning.
· Residential security reviews.
· Event security planning.
· Family security awareness.
· Crisis communication protocols.
Security should always be based on risk assessments rather than assumptions.
Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility
No single agency can provide complete protection in today’s complex security environment.
Effective security requires collaboration between:
· Nigeria Police Force
· Department of State Services (DSS)
· Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
· Licensed private security providers
· Community intelligence networks
· Corporate security departments
Timely information sharing and coordinated planning significantly improve the ability to detect and prevent threats before they escalate.
Investing in Security Training Saves Lives
At Target Search Global Nigeria, we strongly advocate continuous professional development in areas such as:
· Executive Protection
· Close Protection Operations
· Convoy Journey Management
· Defensive Driving
· Protective Intelligence
· Crisis Management
· Emergency Response Planning
· Security Leadership
Security training should never be viewed as an expense. It is an investment in preserving lives, protecting organisations, and strengthening public confidence.
A Final Thought
While no security system can eliminate every risk, we can significantly reduce vulnerabilities through professional planning, training, and intelligence-led executive protection.
The tragic death of Toba Ajiboye should not simply become another headline that fades with time. It should encourage organisations and individuals to review their security posture and ask a critical question:
“If a threat arose tomorrow, are we truly prepared?”
As investigations continue, I encourage everyone to remain calm, avoid speculation, and allow the Nigeria Police Force to complete its work professionally.
The greatest lesson from incidents like this is clear: security is no longer optional—it is a necessity. In the Nigeria of today, and particularly as we approach another election season, protecting life must become a priority. Our faith, values, and traditions remain important, but they should be complemented by professional security measures, sound judgment, and proactive planning.
Because at the end of the day, the best security strategy is not the one that reacts to tragedy, it is the one that prevents it.
Femi Aratokun
Chief Executive Officer
Target Search Global Nigeria