4 minute read
Footsteps: Benjamin Alozie
Footsteps
Episode 6: Benjamin Alozie
By: Jose Casillas
Q: How would you describe your background both personally and professionally?
Personally, growing up, I was always a protector. I would protect my friends and keep the bullies away from them. I think that just carried over into adulthood, which led me into working in the private sector, first in event management, and mostly now in political/ dignitary protection.
Q: What type of training have you had thus far, whether it was on-the-job or courses you traveled to attend?
When I worked with the WHO. (World Health Organization) I received various on-the-job training opportunities, such as baton and firearm handling, first-aid, crowd management, and access control. The Executive Protection training courses I took were in the US, including ICON's Celebrity Protection course and Executive Protection International’s course. Then when I started working with high profile families, they would offer training opportunities for the EP team. That was when I undertook driving training sponsored by Audi.
Q: You mentioned working with a highprofile family, how did that connection come about, and what came of that relationship?
Funny story. My friend and I were in Switzerland, and we noticed this couple that sounded Nigerian, which is what I am. We approached them, and we got along so well that they invited us to lunch. It turned out the family were on holiday and needed protection for their kids. As a private family, they preferred covert EP agents to protect the kids, so we strategically placed ourselves around the schools and the neighborhood. When the family traveled back to Nigeria, we were invited across to work EP for them during the election year, as they were heavily involved with politics.
We approached them, and we got along so well that they invited us to lunch and it was then they found out we did security. The family was on holiday and needed protection for their kids.
Q: How was your experience traveling with a high-profile political client? And what challenges did you encounter along the way?
Nigeria has a population of 200 million within 36 states. Coordination, logistics, and environment were key elements that we took into consideration every time we traveled anywhere. During election years, “optics” matter. We ensured we had the right agents for the job and made sure we were all able to blend in. Our main task was, of course, the Principal's safety.
As a dignitary, our client had to reach out to every state. The problem with that is that some areas are very dangerous and are even run by criminal factions with warlords controlling the neighborhoods. A solution to this problem was to tap into law enforcement in that area to create and provide an outer layer of security. The next step is to understand how these criminal organizations work. We showed them respect and offered them a “donation” for their services and protection. In turn, they walked us in and made sure we had a safe passage throughout any and all movements we had planned.
Another challenge we encountered was when the Principal traveled to NorthEastern Nigeria, a place where Boko Haram attacks are widespread. We learned from our assessment that radio activated IEDs were being used. I brought up a solution to the client, and due to the level of authority my client had, the level of resources and budget were higher. We obtained military-grade radio frequency jammers, tailored for civilian use to counter the remote IED detonators.
Q: If someone were to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give them, and is there anything you would change?
Everyone's path is different, not every journey is the same, but they might share similarities. Two key factors are drive and self-assessment. Find your drive, get involved in training, and join a network. I did my training in the US to obtain a different experience. In your core, you have to self-assess and understand who you are and what you want.
Q: How do you balance your personal life with your line of work?
Simply put, when I am at work, I am at work. And the same applies when I am at home. I prepared my family very early in the sense that I told them about the nature of my work. I communicate with them as often as I can, and in case of any emergency, they know they could reach me. Alternatively, when I am home, I don't talk about work, and I become a 100% house-husband!
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future? What would you like to get involved in?
I have a fascination for sharing knowledge and giving back. I see myself helping those who want to get into this field. I would also like to get more into the tech side of security, advising, and consulting on the best tools to mitigate any threat.
Interview by Jose Casillas Jose Casillas is a Los Angles based Executive Protection Agent who specializes in red carpet events, movie premiers & estate security. He also teaches martial arts and works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
