Meet Our Elite Security Team

Michael (Mike) Farrell

Co-Founder/President/CEO, Mantra Operations Solutions Limited, UK

As subject-matter expert for companies considering entering or already operating in West African and Middle Eastern markets, Mike provides a full range of security and risk management services to both domestic and international clients. With a special focus on protecting people and assets in high‐risk environments, Mike works closely with clients to help them evaluate markets and associated risk factors and implement operational plans and mitigation measures that maximise financial performance.

Mike was previously Group Security Manager for Afren PLC and Global Security Operations Manager for ExxonMobil, a senior executive position responsible for managing global programs including Security and Safety interfaces across all functional business lines in Upstream, Downstream and Chemicals.

Mike is a proven leader and problem solver, recognised for assessing and meeting client expectations. His demonstrated strengths include integrating security policies, procedures and programs into business strategies, recruiting and building effective teams, managing complex global operations and emergency response planning.

His success to date is based upon the ability to adapt to diverse business conditions and operating environments, and to persuade others to adapt and change as well.

Mike has a BSc Hons Degree from the University of Wales and a Security Management Diploma from Loughborough University, UK. He has also completed several Leadership courses at both INSEAD in Singapore and Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University, USA.

Joseph Idoko

Vice President, Operations & New Ventures, Mantra Protection Solutions Limited, Nigeria

Joseph is an astute security professional with over 20 years’ experience in a range of positions, including maritime security, investigations, security surveys and analysis, Government Security Agencies Liaison, guards’ management, close protection and security event management across the oil and gas and commercial security sectors, where he led high-performance teams to execute all aspects of security.

Joseph has managed teams of over 1,500 security guards in the financial industry and has extensive experience in recruiting new hires and training staff effectively to stimulate their professional development.

Prior to joining Mantra Protection Solutions Limited, Joseph held several important roles in the Nigerian security industry, including Senior Maritime Security Manager for Secure West International overseeing maritime assets, and Senior Security Coordinator for Cardinal Security Services Limited, where he gained experience in guards’ management, facility security and journey management.

Joseph is a graduate of Public Administration from the prestigious Lagos State University, Nigeria.

Idowu Kayode

Finance Manager, Mantra Protection Solutions Limited, Nigeria

As a seasoned accounting professional with over 10 years’ experience, Idowu has developed strong expertise in financial management, taxation and accounting principles.

Prior to joining Mantra, he worked within the banking sector as a Client Adviser (Credit Mobilisation) for four years in AB Microfinance Bank, where he gained valuable insights into financial operations, risk management and customer service.

In addition, he gained three years of experience in tax administration, policy implementation and revenue generation with the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service Board, and four years of experience in financial management, budgeting and financial reporting with the Cooperative Society.

Idowu’s extensive skillset includes financial analysis and reporting, taxation and revenue management, financial planning and budgeting, leadership and team management.

Having gained a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State in 2014, Idowu is also certified in Data Processing by Coursera. He is a student at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and is proficient in the use of IT and accounting software, including QuickBooks and Excel.

Sunday Aniedi

Manager, Technology & Data Innovation, Mantra Protection Solutions Limited, Nigeria

Sunday is a resourceful, enthusiastic and self-motivated professional with a solid background in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and a specialisation in data analytics. He has worked across various industry sectors, including finance, manufacturing, security and government, providing expertise in data analysis, information management and brand development.

Before joining Mantra Protection Solutions Limited, Sunday worked with several companies, including Be One Financial Limited and Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, where he managed the rebranding of their corporate identity and product packaging designs. He has created and managed many corporate and e-commerce web applications for organisations within and outside Nigeria and used his creative skills to work on several Akwa Ibom State campaigns, including manifesto design, event branding and publicity.

Sunday is an experienced data professional with practical expertise in managing and analysing large datasets, uncovering business insights and supporting decision-making through data modelling and visualisation. He is highly proficient in Python, SQL, big data technologies, artificial intelligence, Tableau, Power BI and a range of statistical techniques. His work involves cleaning and preparing data, developing predictive models, building enterprise data storage systems, and clearly communicating insights to both technical and non-technical audiences. He is also recognised for his ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver data-driven solutions.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, a Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate, a Data Science Orientation Badge from IBM and a Certificate in Security Risk Management Essentials.