NSCDC Asks Private Guard Companies In Abuja To Renew Licenses Or Be Sealed Up

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has asked all Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, with expired licenses to renew them so that their business premises are not sealed up.

Dr. Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the NSCDC’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, issued the warning Thursday.

Odumosu stated that the FCT currently has 460 operationally licensed PGCs, which have been legally operating since August 2023, while three companies have been sealed for operating illegally.

He also urged PGCs to ensure that their operatives do not wear uniforms or equipment from other military or paramilitary agencies.

He stated that “those due for license renewal should go and renew their licenses; those using uniforms or accoutrements of military or paramilitary agencies should desist from doing so immediately to avoid all forms of misrepresentation.”

According to the Commandant, the 460 licensed PGCs have a total of 42,645 registered private security officers.

Odumosu stated that since taking office on August 15, 2023, the Command has trained and re-trained 20 PGC guards. And plans are underway to train many more before the end of the year.

He did, however, urge PGC owners to instil the habit of continuous training and re-training in their operatives, as security trends change frequently. He instructed them that as the command trains them, they should delegate the training to others.

He stated, “There are new security tips and technological advancements that will benefit these private security outlets.

“In the same way that they can learn from us, it will also serve as a means of ensuring there are no security gaps between the Corps and the companies it regulates.”

“One of the NSCDC’s responsibilities is to regulate, license, and monitor the operations of private security companies, which are an integral part of the country’s security architecture,” he stated.

The NSCDC FCT boss stated that plans are underway to inspect PGCs in the territory to ensure compliance and that anyone found guilty will be sealed, sanctioned, or penalised.