In furtherance of its mandate, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued 24 more operational licences to private guard companies in line with the provisions of the Private Guard Companies, (PGCs), Act.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Associate Prof. Ahmed Audi, urged the new entrants to use their new operational licences to contribute their quota to promoting internal security as the nation tilts towards the yuletide and the 2023 general elections.
A communiqué by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), of the agency, Olusola Odumosu, quoted Audi saying: “tackling the menace of insecurity in Nigeria requires collective and collaborative efforts of government and private security agencies, including all Nigerian citizens.”
He said the new wave of crime occasioned by “activities of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers is asymmetric in nature, thus, making confrontational approaches necessary and private guards companies have vital roles to play in entrenching peace, safety and security.”
“Private security practitioners must collaborate with the Corps especially in the area of credible intelligence gathering to enhance internal security.”
He charged the new operators to adhere strictly to the law guiding their operations, urging them to ensure prompt annual renewal of their licences to avoid being clamped down upon as a result of a violation of extant rules by the CG’s Special Task Force set up to supervise and monitor PGC operations and activities across the board.
Audi reminded the operators that their licences should not be for business purposes alone but also for the internal security of the nation, cautioning them that their licences are not transferable and use of firearms is not allowed.
“For now there would be no use of firearms, bouncers or bodyguards in your operations, it is criminal to do so. “You are however free to visit our nearest formation closest to you for assistance whenever you are faced with overwhelming challenges”, Audi said.
The CG also emphasised the importance of ensuring the welfare of guards working for the PGCs, noting that, his administration will not condone any act of maltreatment of field operators by some Chief Executives who give peanuts as salaries which could make the boys compromise and be lured into criminal acts very easily.
He called on the new operators to see NSCDC as not only their regulator but also a dependable ally and partner in progress. As part of activities marking the ceremony, orientation lectures were given to the recipients to help them excel in the Private Guard industry.
