Seven persons have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for parading themselves as private security guards and providing illegal security services in Anambra state.
Okadigbo Edwin, the state’s NSCDC Public Relations Officer, who disclosed during a press statement on Monday also revealed that the operation was led by Francis Nnadi, the Corps’ Deputy Commandant.
The NSCDC PRO said the arrested were in two categories, those who failed to renew their licences and those who were unregistered and unlicensed.
“According to Deputy Commandant, who led other operatives in the operation, the arrest of the seven guards were in two categories.
“The first category of the arrested guards are those who had obtained PGC licence earlier, but failed to renew their licence till date.
“The names of the companies and their staff were given as Abubakar Michael ‘m’ aged 35 and Uchenna Peter Ngwu ‘m’ aged 39 both staff of Model Security Agency, and Frank Edward Ushahember ‘m’ aged 30 of Philip Smith Security Service.
“The other category of four persons arrested are unregistered and unlicensed to operate as private guard companies.
“Their names were given as Final Mark Nanmal ‘m’ aged 32 of Globe All Security Network; Aleke Daniel Okwuchukwu ‘m’ aged 22 of RSS Security; Okoye Felix Emeka ‘m’ aged 40 of Community Based Vigilante Group; and Chima Kelvin Azubuike’m’ aged 24 , working for Feda Security.
“Intelligence also revealed impersonators of Anambra Vigilante Group posing as private guards are on the increase in the state.
“However, the Command has put perpetrators of these nefarious acts on the trail with a view to apprehending them.”
Stressing the need for private security companies to follow due process in establishing their businesses as provided under NSCDC Act No. 2 of 2003, as amended by Act 6 of 2007, Okadigbo said those found wanting will be prosecuted.
He said: “Members of the public should know that unrenewed license and unregistered private guard companies are restricted from carrying out operations because it is unlawful, illegal and an economy sabotage.
“Private guard companies form a tier of the security architecture of the nation, more so, considering the security situation of the country at the moment, we cannot afford to allow those who are not known to us to continue with their illicit business.
“The command will continue to swoop on those who are operating private security company without registering with the Corps, it is a risk to national security.
“All the arrested guards are currently assisting the command in investigation after which they would be arraigned in court for prosecution.”