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Seven individuals found themselves in custody as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cracked down on the alleged illegal provision of security services in Anambra State.
Head of the Private Guards Company (PGC) Department, Deputy Commandant Francis Nnadi, disclosed that the arrest of the guards took place in two categories, a detail shared by him as he led the operatives in the operation.
“The first category are those who had obtained PGC licence earlier but failed to renew their license till date.
While leading the operation, Deputy Commandant Francis Nnadi openly revealed the names of the suspects and their companies (names withheld), emphasizing that the other group of four arrested individuals operated as unregistered and unlicensed Private Guard Companies.
Intelligence, as conveyed by Nnadi, pointed to a growing trend of impersonators within the state, disguising themselves as Private Guards while falsely claiming association with the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).
He made it clear that the Command is committed to tracking down and apprehending those involved in these malicious activities, taking proactive measures to address the issue.
Newly deployed Commandant Mr. Olatunde Maku, parading the suspects in Awka, made a resolute vow to overhaul and purify the operations of Private Security Companies within the state.
With a strong admonition, he warned companies and individuals in the state against the establishment of private guard companies without duly following the prescribed process.
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He elucidated that, in accordance with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Act No. 2 of 2003, as amended by Act 6 of 2007, the NSCDC holds the authority for the registration, licensing, and training of Private Guard Companies.
“Members of the public should know that unrenewed license and unregistered Private Guard Companies are restricted from carrying out operations because it is unlawful, illegal and economic sabotage.
“Private Guard Companies form a tier of the security architecture of the nation, more so, considering the security situation of the country at the moment, we cannot afford to allow those who are not known to us to continue with their illicit business” he said.
The NSCDC boss emphasized once again the Command’s unwavering readiness to crackdown on those running private security companies without registering with the Corps, deeming it a threat to national security.
“All the arrested guards are currently assisting the command in investigation after which they would be arraigned in court for prosecution,” he added.
