The Department of State Services (DSS) has tightened security around presidential candidates and other key political players ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and 16 other presidential candidates are among those placed under enhanced security as they prepare to hit the campaign trail.
The security cover has also been extended to their running mates, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket with Atiku, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is running alongside Obi on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) platform.
Governorship candidates and their running mates are also covered by the arrangement, while National and State Assembly candidates in areas considered politically volatile are being placed under closer surveillance.
The development came as the Independent National Electoral Commission published the list of candidates contesting the governorship and State Assembly elections scheduled for next year.
A security source said the DSS action followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu that all presidential candidates, including those challenging him, should be given adequate and non-partisan protection.
The source said Tinubu was determined to ensure a free and fair election and had directed security agencies to provide a level playing field for all contestants.
According to the source, the President had specifically ordered that protection be provided to all presidential candidates and their running mates, regardless of how fierce their campaign tactics might become.
The source said the DSS had consequently increased its manpower for protective duties, with some candidates also providing specifications for their preferred security arrangements.
It was further disclosed that all presidential candidates and their deputies were being catered for under the security plan.
The source added that the protection had also been extended to all governorship candidates and their running mates as the political campaigns gather momentum.
The overall objective, according to the source, was to allow candidates to campaign without unnecessary restrictions and ensure a smooth election.
The source said states identified as potential flashpoints had already been mapped out and placed under surveillance, particularly for National Assembly and State Assembly elections.
The DSS initiative, the source stressed, was being implemented alongside the security plans of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies.
Apart from Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, the presidential candidates include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Senator Sandy Onor, Omoyele Sowore, Donald Duke and candidates of several other parties.
The development comes months before Nigerians head to the polls, with security expected to remain a major issue as political parties intensify their campaigns.
