The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has presented operational licences to 41 Private Guard Companies (PGC) with a charge to contribute to the peace and security of the nation.
Commandant General (CG) of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi said this while addressing the companies at a ceremony held at the national headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Dauda Mungadi, the CG said that the private security industry was an integral part of national security architecture. He said it was therefore imperative for practitioners to protect critical infrastructures against damage and vandalism.
According to a statement by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, Olusola Odumosu, the CG tasked the directors who retired from government security agencies and their counterparts not to compromise standards under any guise.
“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 standards. 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 accordingly,” he warned.
The NSCDC boss 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.
The guest speaker, Maj.-Gen. Obidah Ethan (rtd), in a lecture organised as part of orientation for the new entrants, titled “The imperative of private guard companies as a boost for internal security in Nigeria”, asserted that the presence of PGCs had served to cushion the effects of security threats.
