150 Lessons for Bodyguards

In today’s fast paced world, the Close Protection Officer (CPO) operates on his toes, in tense environment that only well trained professionals can be successful. The training to spot or anticipate dangerous situations is what eases the constant migraine CPOs have to live with.

The job of protecting high worth individuals, top government officials and public figures is demanding and require high performance, long hours of training to sharpen skills, which allows one to respond on instinct. As a former bodyguard to the number two man in the Nigerian presidency in 1985, all the trainings and skills I acquired come to play anytime there is a VIP movement. In such situations, being the most dangerous, you can feel the responsibility of taking a bullet in place of the VIP.

I can imagine what goes through the minds of the VIP, especially when we are confronted with chaotic situations. But I saw that, they rest assured that the I am well trained and prepared to handle any situation that will present itself. It is not lost to the VIP or CPO that the stakes are high. That is the real essence of this security trade.

Working with foreign presidents could be exciting, but at the same time put a lot at risk; be it the reputation of the host country or the politics of the particular VIP. Of note was the visit of the PLO leader Yasser Arafat to Lagos. Those were the days of unnerving traffic jams and the complicated politics of Arafat in the Middle East. VIPs are most vulnerable when on movements, not to talk of Lagos traffic jams and stand-stills. That particular movement brought out the skills and situation management desired of my team and I.

In this book, Nnamdi Okeke went into detailing the 150 Lessons for Bodyguards. It is a book, not only for CPOs, but security consultants, security directors, net-worth individuals and personal safety and protection of individuals and their families. It is a book that reminds me of practical maneuvers and tactics. Best of all, it is a book that sharpens the skills of the CPO, and allows the VIP to go about his/her business without having to worry about looking over their shoulders.

However, I will add a warning to CPOs here. After reading this book, you will also find out that some VIPs don’t like CPOs around them. They believe nothing can happen to them. However, a true professional will have to earn the confidence of the VIP to fully accept your duties and at best be their confidant. Nnamdi Okeke has outlined all these in the book which I will recommend as a companion for serious minded CPO professionals.