The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested five suspected illegal private security operatives in Awka, the state capital.
State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, made this known on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Awka.
He said the arrests were made during a series of coordinated raids carried out by the Corps following intelligence reports about the activities of unlicensed security outfits in the area.
According to Olatunde, the operation led to the recovery of a pump-action rifle, uniforms, and other items allegedly used by the suspects to carry out unlawful security services.
He explained that the suspects were operating without approval from the Ministry of Interior, contrary to the provisions of the Private Guard Companies Act, which mandates all security firms to obtain proper registration and licensing.
“The Corps will not tolerate any form of illegality within the private security sector.
We are determined to sanitize the industry and ensure that only duly registered and qualified operators provide security services to the public,” Olatunde stated.
The Commandant added that investigations were ongoing to identify the source of the recovered firearm and determine the extent of the suspects’ activities.
He further urged residents and business owners in Anambra to verify the authenticity of private security companies before engaging their services, stressing that the NSCDC would continue its crackdown on illegal operators across the state.
