A security operative in Lagos, Adebanjo Samuel, has earned widespread commendation after returning a customer’s misplaced $9,100 while on duty at a First City Monument Bank (FCMB) branch in Marina.
The incident occurred on May 25, 2026, and was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Proton Security Service Limited, the company that employs the operative.
According to the security firm, Adebanjo’s decision to return the money underscores the values of integrity, discipline, and professionalism that the organisation seeks to instill in its personnel across various client locations.
The company described the operative as a role model whose actions demonstrate that honesty remains a vital virtue in society.
“Adebanjo has been hailed as a true hero, showing that something great can still come out of here,” the statement noted.
In recognition of his conduct, Proton Security announced plans to host a special civic reception at its corporate headquarters, where Adebanjo will be formally honoured and rewarded.
The event is expected to attract colleagues, family members, friends, industry stakeholders, and media representatives to celebrate what the company described as a remarkable act of integrity.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of Proton Security Service Limited, Odebunmi Adekunmi, said Adebanjo’s action reflects the ethical foundation of the organisation and serves as a positive example for others.
“This act of honesty reflects the principles upon which our organisation was built and the standards we expect from every member of our workforce,” Adekunmi said.
He added that professionalism goes beyond carrying out assigned duties and includes making the right choices even when no one is watching.
“Adebanjo has demonstrated that professionalism extends beyond carrying out assigned duties; it also involves making the right decisions when no one is watching. His conduct has brought honour to himself, his family, our organisation, and the security profession as a whole,” he stated.
Adebanjo, while expressing gratitude for the recognition, said his decision was guided by personal values rather than the amount involved.
“It is not about the amount; it is about the principle. I was raised to be truthful and to do what is right irrespective of the circumstances,” he said.
The security operative stressed that he would have returned the money regardless of its value, noting that integrity should never be compromised.
He also credited Proton Security for reinforcing ethical standards through its training programmes and workplace culture.
“I am grateful to Proton Security for the training and values that guide us daily. This recognition encourages me to remain steadfast in doing what is right and reinforces my belief that honesty remains one of life’s greatest virtues,” Adebanjo said.
He expressed hope that his experience would inspire others to uphold integrity in their personal and professional lives.
Also commenting on the incident, the Director of Business Development and Strategy at Proton Security Service Limited, Olabisi Familusi, said the company remains committed to maintaining high ethical standards within Nigeria’s private security industry.
Familusi noted that Adebanjo’s conduct reflects the trust and professionalism that define the company’s operations and enhances its reputation among clients and stakeholders.
He further argued that the significance of the act extends beyond individual recognition, saying it sends a positive message about the value of honesty and accountability.
“This symbolic act is capable of inspiring trust in Nigeria globally and sending the right message to the growing population of young Nigerians that integrity pays, and its reward is everlasting,” Familusi said.
He described Adebanjo’s action as a lasting reminder that character and integrity remain defining qualities, even in challenging circumstances.
