NSCDC Issues Licences to 28 Private Security Companies, Urges Enhanced Intelligence Sharing
As part of efforts to strengthen internal security and promote collaboration with private stakeholders, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued operating licences to 28 newly registered Private Guard Companies (PGCs), charging them to contribute actively to intelligence gathering and national security.
The presentation ceremony took place at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, represented by the Deputy Commandant General, Directorate of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, fdc, made the official handover of licences to the Chief Executive Officers of the firms.
In his keynote address, the NSCDC boss emphasised that private security practitioners have a critical role to play in Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that many of the CEOs are ex-service personnel with valuable experience that can support the nation’s intelligence framework.
“The business of ensuring effective security across the nation is a collective responsibility that requires timely and credible intelligence,” Prof. Audi stated. “Though these licences serve as a platform for business, they are also an opportunity for you to contribute meaningfully to national security.”
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He charged the newly licensed operators to uphold professionalism, integrity, and commitment, adding that their future engagements with the Corps—including licence renewals—will be based on performance and compliance with regulatory standards.
Prof. Audi also highlighted the recent introduction of a Unified Training Curriculum for private guards across the country, aimed at ensuring standardised skills and uniformity in training, regardless of location.
The Assistant Commandant General (ACG) in charge of the Private Guard Companies Department, ACG Peter Maigari, fsi, in his welcome address, noted that the licensing process was thorough and rigorous, underscoring the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and due diligence.
In their goodwill messages, Director of Legal Services at NSCDC, Barr. Emmanuel Akisa; President of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Dr. Chris Adigwu; and National Vice President, Dr. Felix Obazee, congratulated the newly licensed CEOs and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute positively to national security.
Speaking on behalf of the 28 licensed companies, Chris Ezuma, CEO of Zumac and Associates Limited, pledged full cooperation with the NSCDC and reaffirmed the private sector’s readiness to support government efforts in addressing insecurity across the country.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its stance on continuous assessment, training, and monitoring of private guard firms to ensure alignment with national security objectives.
By PRNigeria
