The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has shut down seven private security companies operating illegally across various locations in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists during the enforcement operation, the FCT NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, who personally led the exercise, disclosed that six of the affected companies were operating without valid licences, while one continued operations despite the expiration of its licence.
Dr. Odumosu emphasized that the NSCDC, as the statutory body mandated to license and regulate private security companies in Nigeria, will not tolerate any operation outside the bounds of the law.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sanitizing the private security sector and ensuring that only duly registered firms are allowed to operate.
“We as the regulatory agency, there is need to ensure compliance because according to the provision of the law, before you can operate a PGC, apart from registering with the Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC), you must also apply for licence through NSCDC. Odumosu stated.
Highlighting the collective efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace in the FCT, Dr. Odumosu warned that unauthorized security operations pose significant risks to public safety.
According to him, personnel from unregistered outfits have, in several instances, been linked to criminal activities, including acting as informants to criminals.
“Some of these operators of PGCs don’t understand the implications of their actions to national security. Many of them sew uniforms for random people without having valuable background information about their staff,” he said.
The Commandant also raised concerns over the involvement of foreign nationals in the private security sector, stating categorically that it is illegal for foreigners to operate private security companies in Nigeria.
He cited one of the sealed companies, “China Security,” which was allegedly run by Chinese nationals, as a clear violation of existing laws.
Dr. Odumosu advised individuals or organizations interested in establishing private security companies to follow due process by registering with the NSCDC and adhering strictly to the guidelines and regulatory frameworks governing the industry.
Reporting by Ibrahim Aliyu