The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has presented practising licences to 50 Private Security Practitioners at the National Headquarters in Abuja.
He emphasised that the NSCDC would continue to bolster the nation’s security architecture through collaboration and strategies aimed at effective service delivery.
“The security challenges facing the country require the collaboration of both conventional and non-conventional security agencies, particularly in the area of intelligence gathering,” the Commandant stated.
Audi further noted that over 200 applications had been received through the NSCDC Private Guard Companies Department. These applications were thoroughly screened, and only 50 companies met the necessary conditions to be issued with operational licences.
The NSCDC head reaffirmed that the Corps conducted extensive screening and vetting before recommending the companies to the Minister of the Interior for approval and licence issuance.
He commended the Minister of the Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his commitment to reforms in the security sector, particularly his advocacy for the digitalisation of registration, among other measures. Audi urged both new and established practitioners to embrace these reforms.
Recognising the vital role of private security in national development, Audi said, “The industry has created approximately four million employment opportunities for youth, complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.”
The NSCDC Commandant called for timely intelligence gathering, describing it as the foundation of security. He stressed that ongoing collaboration with the NSCDC and other security agencies would strengthen the nation’s security framework.
He also advised the CEOs of the new companies to adhere strictly to ethical standards, including the care and welfare of security guards, timely renewal of operational licences, recruitment of qualified personnel, and maintaining staff professionalism.
Mr. Chris Adigwu, National President of Private Security Guard Companies in Nigeria, stated that private security guards would continue to support the government’s efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges, while also expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
