By Anastasia Okechukwu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday, May 25 issued operational licences to 44 new Private Guard Companies (PGC), in line with the provisions of the Private Guard Companies Act.
At the event, the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi who distributed the licences at the NSCDC National headquarters, Sauka, Abuja, tasked the companies to display high integrity in the discharge of their duties and be good ambassadors of the Corps.
According to him, the corps doesn’t compromise and won’t fail to prosecute any company whose directors deviate from the set standards.
He also charged them to be vigilant at this period and to report any suspicious gathering, to also apply control measures in such situations, before the arrival of government security agencies.
“You are receiving your licence towards the end of a regime where we have some disgruntled elements threatening the unity and peace of this nation, so your first assignment is to be vigilant during this period.
“You are receiving your licence at the verge of the launch of a unified training curriculum which translates to guards being exposed to the same training, irrespective of their companies and location in Nigeria.
“You should provide the Corps with information on suspicious gatherings and apply control measures in such situations, before the arrival of government security agencies.
“You are expected, as a matter of compulsion, to turn in intelligence report on a monthly basis.
“Any one that is of urgent importance must be turned in immediately as companies shall be held responsible for any breach of security that occurs in their beats,” the CG said.
He added that unlicensed PGC operators will be arrested, prosecuted and their companies sanctioned.