The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State apprehended seven individuals for engaging in the “unauthorized provision of security services” and presenting themselves as private security guards.
The information was revealed in a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in the state, Okadigbo Edwin, on Monday.
According to Okadigbo, the operation was conducted by the Deputy Commandant, Francis Nnadi, along with other operatives.
He mentioned that all the apprehended security guards are presently cooperating with the command in an ongoing investigation. Subsequently, they will be brought before the court for prosecution.
The statement read in part, “According to Deputy Commandant, who led other operatives in the operation, the arrest of the seven guards were in two categories. The first category of the arrested guards are those who had obtained PGC licence earlier, but failed to renew their licence till date.
“The names of the companies and their staff were given as Abubakar Michael ‘m’ aged 35 and Uchenna Peter Ngwu ‘m’ aged 39 both staff of Model Security Agency, and Frank Edward Ushahember ‘m’ aged 30 of Philip Smith Security Service.
“The other category of four persons arrested are unregistered and unlicensed to operate as private guard companies. Their names were given as Final Mark Nanmal ‘m’ aged 32 of Globe All Security Network , Aleke Daniel Okwuchukwu ‘m’ aged 22 of RSS Security, Okoye Felix Emeka ‘m’ aged 40 of Community Based Vigilante Group, and Chima Kelvin Azubuike’m’ aged 24 , working for Feda Security.
“Intelligence also revealed impersonators of Anambra Vigilante Group posing as private guards are on the increase in the state.
“However, the Command has put perpetrators of these nefarious acts on the trail with a view to apprehending them.”
Okadigbo further emphasized that the state commandant has issued a warning to both companies and individuals within the state against establishing private guard companies without adhering to proper procedures.
He clarified that the registration, licensing, and training of private guard companies fall within the jurisdiction of the NSCDC, as stipulated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Act No. 2 of 2003, as amended by Act 6 of 2007.
“Members of the public should know that unrenewed license and unregistered private guard companies are restricted from carrying out operations because it is unlawful, illegal and an economy sabotage.
“Private guard companies form a tier of the security architecture of the nation, more so, considering the security situation of the country at the moment, we cannot afford to allow those who are not known to us to continue with their illicit business
“The command will continue to swoop on those who are operating private security company without registering with the Corps, it is a risk to national security.
“All the arrested guards are currently assisting the command in investigation after which they would be arraigned in court for prosecution,” the statement added.