By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
Worried by the security challenges beclouding the country, the Commandant General, Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, has harped on the need for constant intelligence gathering and sharing among security agencies.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja, while giving licence to 17 Private Guard Companies, Audi said, the various security agencies in the country must work together to address insecurity.
He also called on the owners of private guard companies to share information with NSCDC on any criminal activities.
“The country is passing through crisis. We need to collaborate. Your position is very critical, and you must do your best in areas of intelligence gathering to help in addressing these security challenges.
“Nobody is an island. We need each other. Everyone should contribute his quota where necessary.
“Today’s occasion is as important to me as it is to the operators
that will be receiving their licences as it marks the first presentation under my watch as the Commandant General of
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Therefore, we have a place in the history together that we must
guide jealously. While it is my duty to ensure utmost performance
of the Industry, special attention would be paid to the recipients
of today, towards ensuring that you perform exceptionally in line
with my dream to upbeat the Corps operational activities as well
as the Private Security Industry in order to play our expected role
in the face of the present day security challenges.”
He reminded them that the Corps remains their only regulator and security reports which must be rendered on a
monthly basis to the service.
He warned them against unprofessional conduct, saying any act not in
line with laid down rules will be dealt with.
“Your licence is not transferable and can be revoked if you fail to renew as and when due. You are prohibited from using firearms but if you have a job
that may require the use of arms, our arms squad in our State Commands would provide the cover when you liaise
with the State Commandants.
Use of ranks of any kind and accoutrement that has semblance to the military or paramilitary is prohibited.
No company should engage in the training of guards without
the involvement of our State Command.
The biometrics of all your guards must be captured in the
PSID platform and the number conspicuously displayed on
their uniforms. The first-hand information of any major security breach in
company’s coverage areas must be reported by the company
to the Corps to avoid sanctions.”