Report: FCT NSCDC Vows Crackdown on Private Security Firms with Invalid Licences

The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has declared its intention to penalize any Private Guard Company (PGC) found operating with fraudulent documents, an invalid permit, or an expired licence. This announcement was made by the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Commandant Odumosu stressed that PGCs are fully aware of the legal provisions governing their operations, leaving them with no justification for non-compliance. He firmly stated, "No company is permitted to operate with fake documents or expired licences." He further warned that any private security firm functioning within the FCT without proper authorisation should anticipate enforcement action sooner or later. Those discovered to be operating unlawfully will face appropriate penalties, which may include the closure of their offices where necessary.

Odumosu disclosed that the corps is currently conducting surveillance on PGCs across various parts of the FCT to ensure effective implementation of the law. "We have been conducting enforcement operations across the territory and are currently compiling the names of companies that have violated the law," he explained. He added that once this compilation exercise is finished, full enforcement measures will commence. Therefore, any private guard company that has neglected to renew its licence or is operating without due authorization should prepare for imminent enforcement activities.

Despite the regulatory functions, the Commandant highlighted that the corps maintains a robust working relationship with PGCs, extending beyond just regulation and training. This collaboration has proven effective, largely because private security guards are often in closer proximity to the populace due to their deployment nature. "As a result, they provide us with credible intelligence, especially regarding areas where vandalism and other criminal activities may occur," Odumosu noted. He affirmed that the NSCDC acts swiftly upon receiving such information to prevent criminal acts and ensure appropriate responses are taken. "Overall, we enjoy a very cordial and productive relationship with private guard companies operating within the FCT," he concluded.