The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has taken decisive action against three Private Guard Companies (PGCs) operating illegally within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This enforcement action comes as part of the ongoing effort to regulate and monitor private security services operating within the region.

FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, led a team of officers from the operations and PGC unit on a monitoring and enforcement operation in Abuja. During this operation, the command sealed three PGCs found to be in violation of established regulations.

The companies subjected to this enforcement action are Ochacho Security Nigeria Ltd, located at Idu Industrial layout; Justigo Security and Allied Services in Gwarimpa; and Macro Security Consult and Service in Wuse 2, Abuja.

Mr. Odumosu explained that Ochacho Security Nigeria Ltd was sealed for multiple infractions, including their failure to register as a PGC, refusal to be subject to licensing authority, employing guards without proper approval, and posing a threat to national security and public interest.

Despite invitations to rectify these issues, the company failed to comply, leaving the NSCDC with no alternative but to seal their operations, compelling them to undergo the appropriate registration process.

Justigo Security and Allied Services faced enforcement for non-renewal of their operation license and the use of two different uniforms, which contravened established guidelines for uniform and accoutrement usage in private guard companies. They were also charged with offenses related to a threat to national security, refusal to be subjected to licensing authority, and employing guards without proper approval.

The third company, Macro Security Consult and Service, was sealed because it had been operating without proper registration for years. The PGC was found to be working from an inadequate one-room office that did not meet the required standards for such operations.

Odumosu stressed that the company had been operating illegally for three years without a valid operation license, which constituted a clear violation. The NSCDC’s responsibility to license and regulate PGC operations led to the enforcement action taken against these companies for compliance violations.

The FCT Commandant highlighted the critical role played by PGCs in Nigeria’s internal security system, underscoring the importance of monitoring and enforcement to ensure their compliance with established regulations.

Odumosu emphasized that the NSCDC would not tolerate illegal security operations, especially in the face of existing security challenges. Under the leadership of the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC remains resolute in upholding security standards and preserving national security.

However, the Commandant indicated that once the sealed PGCs meet the necessary operational requirements, their companies would be unsealed and granted operational approval.