Gone are the days when only pop princesses and Scientologist super-stars need to employ the services of bodyguards. one rich Nigerian was recently a target in his own home, where a masked man with a “fake” gun came right to the front door (which he opened, without looking out the peephole) and attempted to rob him.

this Nigerian isn’t “famous” in the usual entertainment mega-media way, but he is ranked as one of the top billionaires in the world.

As with this Nigerian, the exceedingly wealthy need well-trained protection. It doesn’t matter if they’re not a household name or recognizable face to the average person on the street. One can become the subject of kidnapping, robbery or assault for simply holding certain political views. Business executives with ties to environmental issues are taking precautions, and of course with random acts of terrorism occurring the world over, our top political leaders as well as other political movers and shakers need to be concerned.

In the bodyguard business, there are what we call “hard targets,” meaning someone the bad guys will have a difficult time getting to. There are also “soft targets,” those individuals who are more easily accessible, and therefore more vulnerable to stalking, assaults, kidnapping and even attempted murder. A perfect example of this is when Arthur Bremer (the man who wanted to become famous by shooting someone famous) chose to shoot George Wallace. His first choice was Richard Nixon–who proved to be a hard target. So he shot Wallace instead, since he was a soft target.


The truth is, many of these people are not careful about security, because as John Lennon said, “What’s the point of hiring bodyguards if we all end up dead?” He was referring to the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro. All five of his bodyguards were killed. The problem is, Lennon missed something vitally important–his choice to go without a bodyguard made him (and his family) soft targets, and a determined assassin will figure that out. Sadly, Lennon didn’t think about what his death might mean to his widow or his young children.

The perception is that having a bodyguard around will be either inconsequential or somehow disruptive to the protectee’s lifestyle. The truth is, there are several different ways in which someone who is vulnerable to attack (due to wealth, political affiliations, or popularity as an entertainer) can manage personal protection and security. The point is, if someone is in a vulnerable position, why wouldn’t they protect themselves? It’s a worthwhile investment.

The days of gargantuan men in black suits and sunglasses are going the way of the dinosaur. The trend is for guards who are skilled, firearm licensed, outstanding tactically, with well above average communication skills. Most importantly, they know how to keep a distance and are able to “blend” into the crowd, so as not to draw undue attention to themselves and clients. A bodyguard doesn’t have to be perma-glued to the client’s side.

If you are someone who has considered hiring protection for yourself, your loved ones, or your home please contact me to discuss protection options. After a calamity is not the time to say “if only.” I imagine those thoughts run endlessly through the minds of the survivors who must bear witness to preventable tragedies. Surveillance guards in plainclothes might be a better fit for you. Perhaps you only need a protective escort to and from your work or social events. Whatever the need, if having someone nearby to keep an eye open for potentially harmful situations gives you peace of mind, there is a protection plan that can be tailored to fit your specific needs and budget

Interesting. Moved to advert section.