NSCDC shuts 7 illegal security firms in Delta, arrests 13

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed seven private security companies operating without valid licences in Delta State and arrested 13 guards over regulatory violations.
The enforcement operation followed intelligence gathering and covert surveillance targeting security outfits allegedly operating outside the regulatory framework.

The affected companies were shut down during separate operations in Asaba and Warri by the monitoring team of the NSCDC's Private Guard Companies Department, led by its Head, Deputy Commandant of Corps Emmanuel Peters.
The Corps said investigations showed that the seven companies were operating without valid licences, with some found to be using licences that had expired long ago.
It added that 13 guards working with licensed private security companies were arrested for various regulatory breaches, including failure to renew operational licences, non-payment of prescribed branch fees and unauthorised relocation across and within states.

Other violations were also uncovered during the enforcement exercise.
Reacting to the development, the Delta State Commandant of the NSCDC, Chinedu Fabian Igbo, commended the personnel for carrying out what he described as intelligence-driven enforcement operations that exposed the illegal outfits.
Igbo warned that allowing unlicensed security companies to operate could undermine public safety and expose individuals, businesses and institutions to additional security risks.

He said private security operations must comply with the law to guarantee professionalism, accountability and effective supervision.
The commandant added that investigations would be conducted into the activities of the affected companies, while those found culpable would be prosecuted.
He also advised individuals, corporate organisations and public institutions to engage only duly registered and licensed private security companies.

Peters urged prospective clients to verify the operational and licensing status of security companies before entering into contractual agreements.

He advised members of the public who were uncertain about the status of any private security outfit to contact the NSCDC's Private Guard Companies Department in Delta State for verification.
Peters said the Corps had the statutory responsibility to license, regulate, monitor, supervise and train private guard companies under the NSCDC Act 2003, as amended in 2007.

He assured that the command would sustain its monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance and bring illegal operators to justice.