NSCDC issues operational licences to 50 private guard companies, warns against violations

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued operational licences to 50 newly registered private guard companies (PGC).

Speaking on Wednesday during the presentation of the licenses in Abuja, Ahmed Audi, NSCDC commandant-general, urged the beneficiaries to adhere to all regulations guiding the operations of PGC in Nigeria.

He warned the operators that on no account should any PGC head office or branch be relocated without notice to the corps, as this could lead to licence revocation.

“This task is not new to most of you as the operational guideline indicates that one of the company directors must have experiences from the security sector or intelligence community,” Audi said.

“You must know and accept that NSCDC is your regulator in accordance with the corps mandate and you must renew your licenses three months before expiration if not there are penalties.

“Licenses are not transferable and you are not allowed to bear firearms unless and except otherwise, no use of ranks, uniforms of conventionary security organisations.”

The NSCDC boss also cautioned the operators against intimidating citizens, noting that the corps will be monitoring their activities across the country.

He urged them to leverage their spread and number to provide credible intelligence information to NSCDC to improve national security.

Audi also warned them against under declaration of number of guards, as any operator found culpable could face stringent sanctions.

“Guards’ welfare is paramount; when you pay your guards well they will not compromise and you will get their loyalty,” he added.

“All services including civilians must come together to cooperate and collaborate and take coordinated actions to nip this asymmetric conflict.”

Chris Adigun, president of the Association of Licensed Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALSPN), emphasised the need for all operators to identify with the group, as it serves as an intermediary between them and the government.

“In an attempt to standardise the industry, we stand in the gap between the government and PGCs as the government can’t speak to everyone,” Adigun said.

“I hope you will not just be a licence collector but add value not just to the company and the security architecture but Nigeria as a whole.

“What you are starting today is a business the country needs to reduce crime and better collaboration will help nip crime in the bud.”