This was contained in a statement signed by the Corps Spokesperson, Olusola Odumosu.
In his keynote address, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, tasked the PGCs to operate within the national framework and contribute to the peace and security of the nation.
Represented by Deputy Commandant General in Charge of Operations, Dauda Mungadi, the CG said that the private security industry was an integral part of the national security architecture; hence, practitioners must enhance protection against crime and ensure optimum security of the lives and property of the populace.
Audi stated, “Use your experience to promote public interest and socio-economic growth, which only thrive in a crime-free environment.
“As you join the league of players in this industry, you should not compromise standards. The provisions of the PGC Act and regulation must be strictly adhered to.”
He warned, however, that “National security must not be sacrificed on the altar of pursuit for business profit.
“Companies that violate the ethical codes of operation would be sanctioned and penalised accordingly.”
The NSCDC helmsman called on the operators to ensure prompt submission of security reports and to constantly share intelligence with the Corps.
He charged them to report all suspicious activities or movements in their areas of operation as they would be held accountable for any breach of security in their domain.
Similarly, the guest speaker, Major Gen. Obidah Ethan, in a lecture organised as part of orientation for the new entrants, entitled “The imperative of private guard companies as a boost for internal security in Nigeria”, asserted that the presence of PGCs served to cushion the effects of security threats.
According to Ethan, in spite of efforts by conventional government security agencies, there are still some ungoverned spaces, either due to inadequate numerical strength or equipment.
He prescribes it as imperative for private security operators to fill the gap, reiterating that outsourcing of security is a global practice.
