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.

Armoured vehicle dealers, who spoke with newmen, 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.

He, however, lamented that the high customs duties and fluctuating foreign exchange rates had been affecting his business.

Jethmalanito said, “The demand for armoured vehicles has increased by multiple folds. The prices have also gone up because of the demand. Also, customs duties and foreign exchange rates have been major issues for us. They are one of the major reasons I cannot tell you who our clients have been.

“I cannot also tell you how much we have been selling them. But what I can tell you is that there has been an increase in demand for vehicles as a result of the situation in the country.”

The President, Armor Max Vehicles, Mark Burton, also confirmed that the demand for armoured vehicles had increased.

He noted that the prices for the armouring and vehicles range from $35,000 to $90,000.

Burton said, “There has been a lot of demand. Our challenge has been the currency. Clients in most cases spend between $35,000 and $90,000 on the armouring plus the vehicle. Our armouring goods are imported into Nigeria. Costs have increased a lot due to the naira-to-dollar challenges.