The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed seven private security companies in Abuja for operating without valid licences, including one reportedly run by Chinese nationals.
The operation, led by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, was part of a broader enforcement initiative to ensure compliance with regulatory standards governing private security firms.
According to Odumosu, six of the companies lacked operational licences, while one was operating with an expired licence. “Such violations pose serious threats to internal security, particularly in a sensitive area like the FCT,” he said.
He emphasized that all private guard companies must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and licensed by the Ministry of Interior through the NSCDC. “We are the regulatory agency. There is a need to conform and comply with the extant law,” he said.
Odumosu raised alarms over the recruitment practices of some illegal firms, including hiring unverified individuals and foreigners without conducting background checks. He warned that some private guards have been linked to criminal activities such as kidnappings and robberies, often targeting their employers.
“In several cases, guards have been complicit in the crimes they were hired to prevent. We cannot allow this trend to continue,” he stated.
One of the sealed companies, allegedly operated by Chinese nationals, further raised national security concerns. “Foreigners cannot operate private guard companies in Nigeria. Who knows their mission or if their personnel are acting as informants?” Odumosu questioned.
The FCT Command pledged to sustain its clampdown on unlicensed operators, urging the public to engage only properly registered security providers.
The companies sealed during the operation include:
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Segad Security and Protection Company
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Security of China Private Security Company
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Frowise Global Security Equipment Ltd
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A firm operating within CEWARA Estate
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Moss Bright Security Company
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BERA Security Company
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Prixair Security Outfit
Odumosu reiterated the importance of due process in establishing private security firms and stressed that national security must never be compromised
