NSCDC to crackdown on illegal private guard companies

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command, has inaugurated a taskforce to crackdown on illegal private guard companies in the state.

The corps commandant in the state, Mr Abidemi Majekodunmi, inaugurated the 6-man taskforce team in Uyo on Wednesday.

According to him, in view of the inadequate personnel in government security forces, it becomes expedient to collaborate with private security firms, which could be found in every nook and cranny of the country.

He said that the proximity of private guards to the grassroots makes the private guards companies a veritable source of good intelligence, which if properly harnessed, could help tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

Majekodunmi said: “To get the best out of private guards’ companies, they need to be properly licensed and trained, hence, the need to check out those operating illegally.

“We do not want any unregistered private guard companies in the state.

“We should allow the registered private guards companies to work. Those people that are licensed should work very well so that they will know that the Corps is protecting them.”

The commandant promised to work with the association to achieve its set objectives, adding that the agency would take up the challenges they have raised.

The inauguration coincided with the visit of the executive members of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) led by Capt. Emmanuel Nkang (Rtd) paid the commandant a courtesy visit.

The joint taskforce comprised of NSCDC officials led by the Assistant Commandant, Mr Emmanuel Peters, and members of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) would commence operations immediately.