Meet the uber brave Abdullah Tanoli, The Aziz Foundation and IPSA Bravery Hall of Fame Award winner, Security Professional and everyday hero.
We caught up with Abudllah to talk to him about life on the frontline and his own terrifying experience protecting the public during a random knife attack at TWG Tea shop in Leicester Square, London in August last year.
Hey Abdullah, thanks for joining us today, tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, great to be here. I was born and raised in Abbottabad, a beautiful city in the northwest of Pakistan. I completed my early education there and earned a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from COMSATS University. In March 2022, I moved to the UK, where I pursued and successfully completed my Master’s Degree in Project Management from BPP University London.
Family has always been my greatest inspiration. My father, who retired from Saudi Aramco Oil Company, and my mother have played a significant role in shaping my values and aspirations. I am the youngest of seven siblings, five brothers and two sisters. My three eldest brothers live and work in Saudi Arabia, while my elder brother and I are based in the UK. My elder brother works for Transport for London (TFL) and I currently work for Criterion Capital as an Assistant Manager.
Outside of work and academics, I have a strong passion for sports, particularly football. I also love hiking and exploring new places, as traveling allows me to experience different cultures and landscapes. These activities keep me active and fuel my sense of adventure.
That’s fantastic, can you tell us what attracted you to security work in the first place?
My journey into security work was driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to make a real difference. The idea of being in a position where I can help prevent harm and contribute to a secure environment is something that deeply resonates with me.
That’s really honourable Abdullah, let’s go back to August 2024 on the day you were involved in preventing a serious stabbing, can you tell us a bit about that please?
It was a normal day, and I was at my job as a Security Guard at TWG Tea shop in Leicester Square when I suddenly heard loud screams. As I turned to look, I saw a horrifying scene—a man armed with a knife attacking a young girl and her mother. The attacker was stabbing the girl.
In that split second, my instincts took over. Without hesitation, I ran toward the attacker. My first priority was to stop him before he could do more harm. As I approached, I assessed the situation quickly. The attacker was fully focused on his victims, which gave me a small window to act.
I used my speed and positioning to tackle him from the side, catching him off guard. With full force, I grabbed his arm, attempting to disarm him while using my body weight to push him down. He struggled fiercely, but I didn’t let go. Adrenaline kicked in, and I kept my grip tight, ensuring he couldn’t strike again.
During the struggle, I managed to get him onto the ground and pin him there. I shouted for someone to call the police and an ambulance. I held the attacker down until the authorities arrived and took control of the situation. The young girl received immediate medical assistance, while her mother was completely unharmed in the incident.
It all happened in a matter of seconds, but in those moments, my only thought was to stop the attacker and save the victims. That day changed my perspective on life, reinforcing my belief that if we have the ability to help someone in danger, we should never hesitate to act.
How terrifying and huge respect to you for your bravery and fast decision making. Sadly, dealing with these types of challenges is becoming an all too regular occurrence for security professionals, how do you cope with the ongoing threat of violence?
As a security professional, dealing with potential violence or threats is an inevitable part of the job. While not every day involves direct physical intervention, the nature of security work requires constant vigilance, risk assessment, and readiness to act when necessary.
Incidents can range from minor conflicts and aggressive behaviour to more serious threats where immediate action is required. My approach is always to de-escalate situations whenever possible, using communication and strategic positioning to prevent violence before it escalates. However, when force is necessary to protect others or myself, I rely on my training, quick decision-making, and situational awareness to handle threats effectively.
Every situation is different, and experience has taught me that staying calm under pressure is crucial. Whether it’s breaking up a fight, restraining an aggressive individual, or ensuring a safe evacuation during emergencies, my priority is always the safety of the people around me. Being in security is not just about physical strength—it’s about responsibility, discipline, and making the right decisions in high-stress moments.
That truly is inspiring Abdullah, tell us, what motivates you to keep showing up?
Every day there is a sense of responsibility and purpose that comes with my role. Knowing that my presence can make a difference in ensuring people’s safety gives me a strong reason to stay committed.
I have always believed in standing up for others, and my experience intervening in a life-threatening situation reinforced that belief. That moment showed me the impact one person can have in protecting lives, and it continues to drive me forward.
Brilliant insight there, bringing this back to the work the Security Skills Board are doing to professionalise the sector, what advice would you give to anyone interested in a career in security?
My advice is to approach it with a sense of responsibility and a willingness to learn. The security job requires sharp observation, good communication skills, and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations. Start by getting the necessary qualifications, like the SIA licence, and always look for opportunities to improve your knowledge, whether it’s through additional training or learning about the latest security technologies. Physical fitness and mental resilience are key in this line of work, as is the ability to make quick decisions when needed. Above all, remember that being in security means you’re often responsible for the safety and well-being of others—take that role seriously, and you’ll find it to be both rewarding and fulfilling.
That is great advice, and personal responsibility is key, but what more do you think employers can do to keep colleagues on the frontline safe?
To keep frontline colleagues safe, employers can provide regular training on safety protocols, conflict resolution, and emergency procedures. Equipping employees with the right PPE and safety tools is crucial, as is creating a culture of open communication where workers feel safe reporting concerns. Regular risk assessments ensure the environment stays safe, and offering mental health support helps manage stress. Encouraging teamwork and regular check-ins can also improve safety, as colleagues can look out for each other and get the support they need.
A huge thank you to Abdullah for joining us today to share his story.
Violence against security professionals is a pervasive issue that affects everyone. It creates an environment of fear and uncertainty, undermines trust, and places undue stress on employees. We agree with Abdullah that through dedication, training, and collaboration, security professionals like him are having a significant impact on keeping our communities safe. The Security Skills Academy plan to use real life experiences like Abdullah’s to educate and inspire future security professionals, ensuring they’re well-prepared to face the challenges of their roles and continue to make a positive difference in our society.