The Anambra State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, NSCDC, on Friday, paraded five suspected illegal private security guards it arrested with three pump action guns.
The suspects were paraded at the Command’s headquarters in Awka.
They include Ekene Erigaka, who is 27 years old and from Ihime Mbano, Imo State; Emeka Eze, who is 28 years old and from Oraukwu, Anambra State; Ugoma Prosper, who is 20 years old and from Okohia Ihiala; Obiuto EZE, who is 42 years old and from Isialangwa South, Abia State; and Victor Nnadi, who is 34 years old and from Uli in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
Parading the suspects, Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC State Commandant, said the suspects were arrested at an illegal roadblock in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, where they were extorting money from motorists while causing untold hardships to the road users.
He stressed that arresting the suspects was part of the Corp’s determination to eliminate impersonators and undesirable elements who hide under the cover of private security guards to perpetrate crimes.
The State Commandant, while emphasizing the command’s commitment to eradicating illegal security guard outfits in the state, warned that only licensed firms would be allowed to operate.
“On Thursday 3/ 10/ 2024, at about 1630hrs, based on credible Intelligence received that a group of five suspected illegal security guards were sighted at a roadblock in Nteje on black T-shirt crested AVG Special Squad, the command quickly mobilized operatives of Private Guard Company (PGC) Department in collaboration with Nteje Vigilante Group to the scene and arrested the suspects.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that this kind of Illegal checkpoint can facilitate robberies, extortions, abductions and the targeted killings of civilians and state actors.
“They are among those making it difficult and hard for average citizens to pursue their legitimate business.
“We are resolute and determined to rid the state of every form of crime and criminality in accordance with our Corps mandate,” he said .
Maku commended the Private Guards Company Department for their relentless efforts in the fight against illegal operators of private security outfits and for prompt response in apprehending the suspects.
“This is a strong message that unlicensed security outfits would not be tolerated, and those engaging in such practices will be caught to face the consequences of their actions in a competent court of jurisdiction,” he said
The State NSCDC boss, while appreciating the people of the State for their support of NSCDC, urged public members to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities of private security guards or outfits to the nearest NSCDC office.
He maintained that the NSCDC, as the regulatory body overseeing the licensing, monitoring, and supervision of private security companies, will continue sanitizing the industry to address the country’s escalating security challenges.
