NSCDC seals Chinese security firm, six others for operating illegally in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Seven private security outfits have been sealed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory

The operation was carried out on Wednesday by the Federal Capital Territory Command of NSCDC as part of a broader enforcement effort to ensure compliance with the guidelines on establishment of private security outfits.

The FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu who led the enforcement team, stated that “six of the seven companies had no operational licences, while the seventh was operating with an expired licence.”

Odumosu said such violations pose serious threats to internal security, especially in a sensitive area like the FCT.

He said: “We are the regulatory agency, and there is a need to conform and comply with the extant law.

“The provision of the law is that before you can operate a private guard company in Nigeria, you must not only register with the Corporate Affairs Commission but also obtain an operational licence approved by the Minister of Interior through the NSCDC,” the Commandant said.

He decried that some of the illegal operators hire unverified individuals, including foreigners, without proper background checks.

Odumosu said: “Some of these operators of the private guard companies do not understand the implication of the action to national security.”

He noted that in some cases, private guards had been implicated in criminal activities, including kidnappings and robberies, often targeting their own employers.

The commandant added, “I know how many of such cases we have had to deal with where the guards are responsible for kidnapping of the people who employ them and in some cases, we have had a series of cases where it is this same guard that will plan a robbery operation within the precinct of the environment. So we cannot allow this to happen.”

He also raised concerns about foreign ownership, noting that one of the sealed companies was reportedly being run by Chinese nationals.

He stated that: “Foreigners cannot operate private guard companies in Nigeria. Who knows the mission of those people or whether their personnel are serving as informants?” he said.

He said the FCT command plans to continue its clampdown on unlicensed operators, stressing that national security must not be compromised.

The command urged individuals and businesses seeking private security services to only engage companies that are properly licensed.

“There are many registered security companies available. Those interested in operating their own should follow the legal process and obtain the necessary approvals,” the commandant concluded.

The sealed security companies include Segad security and protection company; Security of China private security company; Frowise Global Security Equipment Ltd; Security company operating in CEWARA Estate; Moss Bright Security company; BERA security company; and Prixair security outfit.

NSCDC seals Chinese security firm, six others for operating illegally in Abuja