At least 28 newly registered private guard companies have been granted operating licenses by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reports thegazellenews.com.
The NSCDC, which made this disclosure trough a statement issued made available to newsmen, urged the companies to upscale intelligence gathering efforts to help combat rising insecurity across the country.
The presentation was carried out at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja, as part of the implementation of the NSCDC’s mandate under the Establishment Act of 2003, as amended in 2007.
The presentation of the licences was in line with the mandate of the NSCDC “by its establishment Acts 2003 of the National Assembly, and amended in 2007” according to a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale, on Thursday, 24 July, 2025.
The licenses were presented by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ningi.
Addressing the National Executives of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria and the newly registered members, the CG described the business of enhancing security in the country as “a collective resposibility”, while calling for “prompt and timely Intelligence gathering.”
While noting that many of the Chief Executives of the companies were ex-servicemen with valuable experience, he charged them to uphold integrity and standards of professionalism and commitment.
“We are acquainted with the fact that most of the Chief Executive Officers of the private guard companies are ex-service men whose wealth of experience would stimulate and provide credible intelligence needed to enhance adequate security.
“Premise on this, you are therefore charged to uphold the integrity and standards of professionalism and commitment so that together we can build a nation; safe for investors and habitable for technological advancement across board,” he said.
The CG further emphasised that the licences are not just for commercial gain but also a national security tool.
“Be assured that your companies would be assessed and rated based on adherence to regulatory requirements therefore; future relationships with the Corps, including renewal of your licenses shall be based on your performance,” Audi stated.
He disclosed that the issuance of licences coincides with the launch of a Unified Training Curriculum aimed at ensuring uniformity in training across all locations in Nigeria.
While congratulating the new licence holders, he advised them to uphold the values that qualified them for the licenses.
“Maintain the qualities of integrity, impeccable character and trustworthiness which were considered requirements before the approval of their licenses,” he stated.
