The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has warned private security outfits against operating without licence.
The Commandant, Mr Gyama Gyawiya, said this in a statement by the spokesman of the corps, SC Saad Buhari, on Monday in Gombe.
He said that private security outfits were expected to meet the registration requirements before obtaining operational licences.
“It has come to the attention of the NSCDC, Gombe State Command, that certain individuals and organisations are operating private security outfits/guards without obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals as required by law.
“In light of above, Gombe State Command of the NSCDC hereby issues a final warning to all illegal private security operators to cease operations immediately and comply with the licensing process.
“Failure to do so will result in strict enforcement actions including immediate closure of the illegal security outfits, arrest, prosecution of violators and confiscation of unauthorised security equipment,” he said.
Gyawiya said that the concerned outfits had been given up to Friday, Feb. 14, to regularise their operations or face the full wrath of law.
According to him, operating an unlicensed outfit is a violation of the Private Guard Companies Act Cap 367 (1990) Section 3, Subsection (b), (c), (d), (I), and NSCDC Act 2003 as amended 2007.
The commandant said the Act mandated all private security organisations to be duly registered and licensed by the Federal Government through the NSCDC.
Gyawiya said that unlicensed security operations posed a serious threat to public safety, as they lacked the proper training, vetting and regulatory oversight required to provide professional security services.
He urged individuals and organisations operating such outfits to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid legal actions.
(NAN)
