About Cardinal

Who we are

Cardinal Security Services Limited (CSSL) was founded in Nigeria and incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in August 2005, with registration number 632003, by a team of security specialists. Our aim is to provide professional, integrated security services and solutions to individual and corporate clients in a way that goes beyond their expectations.

We follow internationally accepted best practice in security services and adapt our processes as our clients' needs change. We combine current security technology with highly trained, experienced people. We are licensed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and we are ISO 9001:2015 and TRACE certified.

Vision, mission and values

Vision

To render efficient and affordable security services and solutions to our clients.

Mission

To enable our clients to succeed in complex or hostile environments.

Core values

Watchfulness, discretion, continual improvement and courtesy.

Our objectives

• Provide professional, integrated security services and solutions that exceed our clients' expectations.
• Deploy carefully selected officers who are vetted, educated to the required level, and medically and physically fit.
• Provide skills-based and on-the-job training to improve performance.
• Design and maintain emergency and contingency plans where none exist, or work within a client's existing emergency response plan.
• Define and implement operating procedures in line with each client's QHSE policies.
• Induct every officer on the approved procedures and policies before deployment.

Our people

Our people are our greatest resource. Our officers often work in hostile environments to protect our clients, and we are committed to paying them fairly and giving them a safe place to work. Our success depends on understanding our clients' needs and responding to them effectively, and on adding value to every service we deliver.

Licences and certifications

• Incorporated August 2005Registered under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, RC 632003.
• Licensed by the NSCDCLicensed under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
• ISO 9001:2015Certified quality management system.
• TRACE certifiedAnti-bribery due diligence certification.
• AVSEC certifiedFor aviation security operations.
• NIMASA licensedMaritime security licensed under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

Awards and recognition

Best Private Security Company

2016

RoSPA Fleet Safety Award

2017, from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Security & Fire Excellence Awards

Finalist, 2018

Security Excellence Awards

Finalist: Event Security Team of the Year (2012 and 2013), and Best Contribution to Standards in the Security Sector

Quality Summit Awards

2012

Our president

Silvester Ibeh is a security practitioner with more than 27 years in the security industry. He leads Cardinal Security Services and its sister company, I Drive Smart, and is directly involved in providing security management, training and other professional services to clients across Nigeria.

He previously served as Regional Security Coordinator (South-West) at one of Nigeria's major oil and gas companies. There he was responsible for the security of staff and business assets across the region, developed security policies, procedures and plans with every part of the business, prepared country security assessments, and advised local management on security matters.

A graduate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, he also holds postgraduate qualifications. He has trained extensively abroad, including SIA training and Advanced Executive Protection for hostile environments in the United States, and attended the Advanced Company Direction Programme (ACDP 5) run by the Institute of Directors Nigeria in London. He is an ASP in the SPY Police, having trained at the Police Training School, Ikeja.

Memberships and qualifications

• Member, Institute of Directors Nigeria
• Fellow, Association of Corporate Governance Professionals Nigeria
• Chartered Security Professional, International Center for Executive Security Training
• Member, ASIS International
• Member, Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
• Qualified Company Security Officer under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

Where we operate