Security is considered to be the biggest deal to everyone in Nigeria, and all over the world today. But do we all know how to go about it? This is one of the reasons Interviewers Magazine went in search of a knowledgeable, gritty, diligent, insightful, business-minded and yet, humble intercontinental Professional in the industry. He has travelled far and wide and carried out research on what it takes to achieve results in this area. He is none other than the result-oriented and unassuming Mr. Kunle Silva. Read this and never remain the same in your approach towards security matters.
You are welcome to Interviewers magazine, sir. Can you please introduce yourself and your background?
Thank you very much. My name is Kunle Silva, the MD/CEO of Continental Security. I have a UK background in Security. After my youth service here in Nigeria. I had the opportunity of joining one of the biggest security companies in the world (Wilson James Ltd), then later on to Rentokil Initials. I started as a Security Officer, but rose to become a Site Manager at a point, which was accomplished by a single goal of reaching the pinnacle of my career. The curiosity was so high that I grabbed every security training that came my way. Fortunately, my qualifications kept opening opportunities for me whenever there was a vacancy at the top.
What prompted you to embark on this type of business?
Like I mentioned earlier, I have built my security career overtime but never thought of running a Security company in Nigeria, until I met a fast-thinking English guy at a pub. In the course of our introduction and eventual conversation, he asked where I was originally from; I told him that I was from Nigeria. He was so excited and the next thing he said was; “wow, Nigeria? Having a security company in Nigeria won’t be a bad idea because of the oil”.
Meanwhile, at that time I was already meddling in the exportation of vehicles/motor parts from the UK into Nigeria. That statement got me thinking. 1 knew I could make a way in this country with the trainings, my background in the security business and experience in the industry. So here we are today with a lot to thank God for. The Caucasian I met at the pub that day is till date one of the Technical Partners in the company here in Nigeria.
Security is a common concern to everyone, no matter the size or location of a person’s place of abode. As a Security expert, in what ways do you influence the people to ensure that they collaborate with you to enhance the security of lives and properties in your area of jurisdiction?
Thank you. You will first agree with me that everyone needs security. Both the rich and the poor, young or old, everyone is open to one security risk or the other. Either life or property, in some cases both. Like I often say; after food it is security because even the homeless is faced with a huge security risk. Now, in our case, we go beyond just providing security services for our clients. We try to get them involved as regards their own security, though they are paying for the services we render. In security, both the Security Service Provider and Client/Principal are involved. It is a two-way street kind of service. If you as a client or principal notice any breach in your security, you are meant to report it, so the provider can make amends at the earliest time. In connection to this, it is part of the duties of the Security Provider to educate their client or principal on security matters or issues. Introducing this idea makes for a good collaboration between the provider and client. As we often say in the industry; ‘When you see something…you say something.
Nigeria as a country has huge security issues at the moment, what are your plans and priorities concerning the security threat in Nigeria? Every country in the world has their own
security issues, though it might differ from one region to another, but the fact remains that there are security issues across the globe. Now, let us narrow our discussion to that of Nigeria, as you have rightly asked. You also know that the security threats in Nigeria are different from one region to the other, until kidnapping took the centre stage across all regions s of the country. The security issue goes beyond the jurisdiction of the Private Security Companies as we are limited to certain gadgets, PPEs, ammunition, etc, but I can tell you for free that we have competent individuals in the industry who can work with the government to get a long-term solution to this menace.
Let me share what we do at our level of commitment: we advise our client/principals by giving them security tips to prevent any occurrence of mayhem. In addition, we provide trained bodyguards (trained and certified by the UK Bodyguards association) and armed mobile police for their protection.
How do you ensure that your company’s security programs are in line with state and federal security laws?
All Private Guard Companies (PGC) are being regulated and licensed by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) popularly known as Civil Defence. They regulate the body so as to keep tabs of all the activities of the company.
Security in Nigeria today is a big deal considering the number of cases reported in almost all the states in Nigeria, what methods would you use to train your staff members in updated security procedures to meet up with the challenging times?
For a challenging industry like ours, there is need for constant updates and training. At Continentals Security, we give two major trainings upon employment of guards which are: 1. Basic Job Training (BJT) and 2. On The Job Training (OTJT). Further into services, there will be a recall of guards to be re-trained for certain jobs or duties. We often engage our foreign partners to train our staff for more classified tasks.
Nigeria has ethnic and religious based states and zones, but the security challenges have almost the same format, like kidnappings, armed robberies, Boko Haram massacres, Fulani herdsmen land grabbing and killings etc, what strategies do you employ to safeguard your area of operations having in mind the ethnic and religious diversity of the country?
The Private Security Companies presently have little or no role to play in the above issues because we are limited to the area of security that our regulated body specifies. Talks are ongoing at the National level to engage the PGC in the class of these vices. We are not allowed to carry fire arms or any form of offensive weapons. I ask, how do you fight a man with firearms or matchet with bare arms? I am sure the matter will get to a favourable conclusion soon so we could join hands with the security agents to fight this increasing mayhem in our society.
What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced as the CEO of a Security Company?
You mean difficult challenges administratively or in the circular world? With the business, effective manpower is an important issue we contend with. Sometimes, we have contracts but getting your kind of person to do the job is an issue. Especially with the ‘Japa’ syndrome that is ongoing in the country.
