Civil unrest can disrupt supply chains, limit employee mobility – Bademosi

Recently, a World Security Report was released by Allied Universal and G4S Shared Services Limited which talks about how security affects businesses and economies.

Bukky Bademosi is the sales director, G4S Shared Services Limited, which is the international business of Allied Universal, world’s leading security and facility services provider and trusted partner to more than 400 of the Fortune 500.

She speaks on the World Security Report which 200 global institutional investors with more than $1 trillion of assets under management also took part in an anonymous online survey between April 8 and 14, 2025, writes Iheanyi Nwachukwu

What’s the purpose of this “World Security Report” by Allied Universal and G4S. Is it just meant to scare companies into spending more on security?

The World Security Report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers in 31 countries representing more than $25 trillion in corporate revenue. From Sub-Saharan Africa, 174 security chiefs took part, including 58 from Nigeria. It offers specific insight into the threats businesses are most likely to face in the year ahead. For example, in Nigeria, 50percent of security leaders expect to face external fraud and 41percent anticipate insider fraud, the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report empowers companies with the information they need to plan, prepare, and protect their people and operations. The security landscape is evolving fast, and accurate intelligence is vital to help companies make proactive, strategic investments in security.

Kidnappings are a real threat for company executives in Nigeria. Why do you think this is and what’s being done to reduce the kidnappings taking place?

Chief executives can be key targets for kidnappings, particularly in the south of the country where organised crime groups have a stronghold. According to the World Security Report, 33percent of security chiefs in Nigeria say the threat of violence toward company executives has risen in the past two years. To counter this, many companies are taking a layered, intelligence-led approach to executive protection.

The report shows that 62percent of Nigerian businesses have enhanced their security procedures, including background checks and on-site screening, while 53percent are conducting detailed risk assessments for senior leaders and 52percent are monitoring online threats such as social media and the dark web.

At G4S, we provide comprehensive executive protection solutions designed around these evolving threats. Our focus is on prevention, equipping companies with the intelligence, procedures, and trained personnel they need to safeguard their people and ensure business continuity in an increasingly complex security environment.

The issue of civil unrest is also set to increase in Nigeria according to the report. What impact will this potentially have on companies?

Nearly one in three Nigerian businesses identifies civil unrest as a top hazard in the year ahead. This trend is often linked to broader socio-economic pressures and the activities of organised groups, including terrorist networks.

Civil unrest can disrupt supply chains, limit employee mobility, and increase operating costs for businesses. It can also affect investor confidence and delay projects, particularly in sectors that depend on stable operating environments such as energy, logistics, and manufacturing.

That is why many organisations are prioritising crisis preparedness by developing response protocols, enhancing situational awareness, and investing in real-time intelligence to help them respond quickly and maintain business continuity even in uncertain times.

What do think the government should be doing more in Nigeria to curb civil unrest?

Our expertise lies in corporate security and we can only advise businesses on how they can best protect their assets and people. There are a whole range of measures that they can adopt, combining people and technology. We encourage all our clients to take a proactive approach to their security.

Do you think fraud is becoming more sophisticated in Nigeria?

Some cases of fraud are very sophisticated, but not all of it is. What the World Security Report does show is how widespread fraud is in Nigeria, both internal and external. While some threat actors may be getting more sophisticated, equally so is the response from organisations.

For example, 48% of Nigerian security leaders say they are prioritising AI-powered intrusion detection and threat intelligence over the next two years.

With the rise of AI, do you think misinformation and “deep fakes” will increase security threats in Nigeria?

AI brings huge opportunities, but it also introduces new risks. We have seen how quickly misinformation can spread online, fuelling unrest and damaging reputations and Nigeria is certainly not immune.

The World Security Report shows that 48 percent of Nigerian security chiefs see AI-assisted threat intelligence and automated incident response as crucial for the future. This reflects growing awareness that while AI can be misused, it can also be a powerful tool to detect and counter emerging threats. Building digital resilience and early detection systems will be vital to protect organisations and the public alike.

Do you think Nigeria is becoming too dangerous for multinational companies?

No. Nigeria is a country of opportunity full of young, entrepreneurial, and increasingly tech-savvy individuals. It has one of the largest and most digitally connected populations in Africa, making it an attractive base for innovation and expansion.

While every fast-growing economy faces security considerations, what matters is having the right security partner; one that understands local realities, provides real-time intelligence, and builds tailored safeguards. With that support, multinational companies can operate safely and continue to thrive in Nigeria’s vibrant, forward-looking market.

Are there riskier areas to do business in Nigeria? How do you protect those companies in crime hotspots?

Certain regions in Nigeria pose higher risks. In the North-East and North-West, insurgency and banditry persist. In the Niger Delta, especially in Bayelsa State, pipelines are regularly sabotaged.

Protecting companies in these zones requires a layered strategy, location-specific risk assessments, secure logistics (convoys, vetted drivers), AI-enabled route monitoring, trained local protection teams, and community engagement to reduce insider risks.

What gives G4S advantage over other security firms in Nigeria?

A number of factors separate us from our competitors. We have a presence in all states and a wealth of experience working across a range of different sectors. Crucially we specialise in both security professionals and electronic security solutions – many security companies in Nigeria only do one or the other. We also have significant risk intelligence capability and make good use of real-time information.

We have a number of different service lines, including journey management, so can cater to a whole spectrum of security needs that a company might have, particularly those operating globally.