PUNCH
Adelani Adepegba, Solomon Odeniyi and Gift Habib
Against the backdrop of the abduction wave across the country, the demand for bulletproof vehicles by Very Important Persons and other wealthy Nigerians has increased, The PUNCH can report.
Armoured vehicle dealers, who spoke to The PUNCH, confirmed they had been recording increased sales of customised bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicles since the kidnapping epidemic worsened.
In recent weeks, armed gangs operating from various forests have infiltrated major cities and urban centres carrying out abductions of citizens and demanding outrageous ransoms.
The situation has compelled victims and families of abductees to crowd-fund for ransom from families, associates and social media in disregard of the warning by the Federal Government and the police that the practice would further worsen the kidnap-for-ransom crisis.
Armoured vehicle firms said prominent and rich individuals have strengthened their personal and family security with customised vehicles.
Speaking on the demand for armoured vehicles by VIPs, the Sales Manager, Inkas Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing Nigeria, Mr Haresh Jethmalanito, asserted that the armoured vehicle market was experiencing a boom, noting that dealers were making brisk business.
Jethmalanito said his company had been overwhelmed with demand for armoured vehicles since the beginning of the year, noting it was connected with the worsening insecurity in the country.
