Akwa Ibom: Security Operatives Crack Down on Unlicensed Security Firm, Detain 39 Alleged Offenders

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By Uko Etim

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UYO—The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has crackdown on illegal organisation operating as Private Guard Company (PGC) in Akwa Ibom and arrested 39 suspects.

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The Akwa Ibom Commandant, NSCDC, Mrs Geraldine Abetianbe, made this known while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Uyo.

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Abetianbe said that the organisation, named, Uniquely Network Rescue Services was caught conducting unauthorised rigorous paramilitary-styled training and recruiting youths under false pretenses.

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She said acting on intelligence, the operatives of NSCDC Akwa Ibom Command on May 29 raided the group training facility and apprehended the suspects.

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The state commandant said the operation led to the arrest of the Uyo Coordinator and the recovery of wooden guns, uniforms, training manuals, and membership forms.

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“During the raid, a total of 17 members of the group and 22 new intakes were arrested.

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“They are currently undergoing intensive profiling to ascertain the real motive of the group as the command is taking proactive steps to curtail all subversive intentions and acts,” Abetianbe said.

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The state commandant stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the group operated without Private Guard Company license as required under the NSCDC Act 2003 as amended.

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She said further investigation revealed that the organisation has its headquarters outside Akwa Ibom.

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Abetianbe warned that the use of wooden guns for training was a big red flag and could be a smokescreen for training militia groups, stressing that the command would not overlook the potential brooding of militias in Akwa Ibom.

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“The 2027 general elections are approaching and we cannot afford to have a group recruiting young Nigerians and subjecting them to rigorous training with wooden guns, using horsewhips and so on.

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“They are not registered or licensed, and this raises suspicion as to what end they are subjecting young Nigerians to paramilitary-styled training.

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“The Corps strongly condemns the activities of this illegal outfit. We will not tolerate any group seeking to operate outside the law,” she said.

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She reminded the public that the NSCDC remained the only agency statutorily empowered to license, regulate, and monitor Private Guard Companies in Nigeria.

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The NSCDC boss urged parents to be mindful of groups their children subscribe to, to avoid being deceived into joining a militia group with nefarious motives.

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She said efforts were being coordinated to arrest the national leadership of the organisation and neutralise the threat once and for all.

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The commandant assured that all culpable suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations and profiling are concluded.

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