By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has presented operational licenses to 41 new Private Guard Companies, PGC, tasking them to operate within national framework in contributing to peace and security of the nation.
The Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said this in a keynote address delivered to the qualified companies during a brief ceremony at the Corps national headquarters in Abuja.
Audi who was represented by Deputy Commandant General, DCG, in charge of Operations, Dauda Mungadi, said that private security industry was an integral part of national security architecture, hence, practitioners must enhance protection against crime and ensure optimum security of lives and property of the populace.
Specifically, he tasked the Directors who retired from government security agencies and their counterparts not to compromise standards under any guises.
He warned, “Use your experience to promote public interest and socio-economic growth, which only thrive in a crime free environment.
“As you join the league of players in this industry, you should not compromise standard. The provisions of the PGC Act and regulation must be strictly adhered to.
“National security must not be sacrificed on the altar of pursuit for business profit.
“Companies who violate the ethical codes of operation would be sanctioned and penalised accordingly.”
The NSCDC helmsman called on the operators to ensure prompt submission of security reports and to constantly share intelligence with the Corps.
He charged them to report all suspicious activities or movements in their areas of operation as they would be held accountable for any breach of security in their domain.
Similarly, the guest speaker, Major Gen. Obidah Ethan (rtd), in a lecture organised as part of orientation for the new entrants, entitled “The imperative of private guard companies as a boost for internal security in Nigeria”, asserted that the presence of PGCs has served to cushion the effects of security threats.
According to Ethan, in spite of efforts by conventional government security agencies, there were still some ungoverned spaces, either due to inadequate numerical strength or equipment.
He prescribed as imperative for private security operators to fill the gap, reiterating that outsourcing of security was a global practice.
Other presenters at the event include the National President, Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, ALPSPN, Mr Chris Adigwu and Deputy Commandant of Corps, DCC Wasiu Sanya Oyesanya from the PGC unit, Corps national headquarters, Abuja.
