By Adadainfo
Thirteen private security operatives were Wednesday arrested in Anambra State for allegedly operating with expired licences.
The state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced the arrest on in a release by the corps’ PRO, Edwin Okadigbo.
The state commandant of NSCDC, Comdt Chukwudi Chikere, said the arrest followed the resolve of the corps to rid the state of quacks and streamline the private guard business by ensuring strict compliance with the law governing the sector.
According to him, “Today’s operation is in line with the statutory mandate of NSCDC to inspect, license, train and monitor the activities of private guards’ companies.
“Our aim is to uproot all illegal private security guards in the state, thereby creating a conducive atmosphere for registered ones to operate without hindrance.
“Most of those apprehended are operating without valid registration and licences by the federal government through NSCDC.
“With the current security challenges affecting our nation, there is need to conduct background checks on whoever is operating or working as a private security guard.”
One of the arrested guards, Sopuruchukwu Chinemerem, who works for Accurate Guard, pleaded for mercy. He said he resumed work with the company in January without prior information that the company is not registered.
Meanwhile, the state commandant has ordered the intelligence and Investigation department to conduct thorough investigations as soon as possible before the suspects would be charged to court.
Deputy Commandant Francis Obinna Nnadi, head of Private Guard Company Department, who led the operation, said the corps would not relent in its efforts in clamping down on the activities of illegal private security guards who are yet to register with the corps as stipulated by the law.
Some of the illegal security outfits personnel arrested include Accurate Guard, Finotel Security, Halogen Security, St Christopher Security Ltd, Albertina Security Guards, Superior Force, and Mega Guards.
