Federal Capital Territory NSCDC set to penalize private security companies operating with lapsed permits

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Command, has vowed to take disciplinary action against any Private Guard Company caught operating with falsified documents, an invalid licence, or an expired permit.

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According to FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja, Private Guard Companies have been thoroughly informed about the laws governing their operations, leaving them no justification for non-compliance.

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Commandant Odumosu explicitly stated that no company is allowed to operate with counterfeit documents or expired licences, and any private security firm in the FCT without a valid licence should anticipate eventual enforcement.

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Odumosu warned that companies found operating outside the law will face suitable penalties, including the closure of their offices if necessary, emphasizing that it is only a matter of time before enforcement catches up with them.

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The commandant revealed that ongoing surveillance of Private Guard Companies is being conducted across various parts of the FCT to ensure effective enforcement, with the names of non-compliant companies being compiled.

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Once the exercise is completed, the command will transition into full enforcement, and any private guard company that has failed to renew its licence or is operating without proper authorization should expect enforcement action soon, according to Odumosu.

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The corps has maintained a strong working relationship with Private Guard Companies, extending beyond regulation and training of their guards, with the commandant noting that this collaboration has been effective due to the nature of private security guards' deployment.

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Odumosu explained that private security guards often provide credible intelligence, particularly regarding areas where vandalism and other criminal activities may occur, due to their proximity to the public.

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Upon receiving such information, the corps acts swiftly to prevent criminal activities and ensure appropriate action is taken, with Odumosu describing the relationship between the corps and private guard companies in the FCT as very cordial and productive.