The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued operational licenses to 93 Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in 2023 as part of efforts to enhance national security.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, shared this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Corps Headquarters in Abuja.
Audi revealed that out of the total 1,412 PGCs registered by the Corps, 92 were sealed across the country due to various operational violations.
However, 24 of the penalized PGCs were later unsealed in the same year after complying with stipulated conditions.
“After the sealing, they were instructed to comply and rectify the reasons for which they were sanctioned, and after satisfying some conditions stipulated by law, we unsealed 24,” Audi explained.
The NSCDC’s mandate includes licensing, supervising, training, and monitoring the operations of PGCs. Audi emphasized that the Corps has successfully eliminated quackery in the profession, attracting ex-service personnel, including those from the intelligence security community, to join the industry.
This influx of experienced individuals aims to enhance the professionalism and robustness of private security operations in the country.