The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it will sanction illegal private guard companies operating in Ondo.

The NSCDC commandant in Ondo, Hammed Abodunrin, on Monday said private guard operators needed to register their companies and uniforms with the NSCDC before embarking on business.

He said the NSCDC registered 35 private guard companies and would seal the unregistered ones and would prosecute their operators.

Mr Abodunrin added that the NSCDC sealed one unregistered guards’ company for contravening the law.

“The problem with illegality in the private guard companies is worse than merely dodging payment of necessary fees. Private guards have reportedly killed their hirers, so we need to know those engaged, where they came from, who trained them, their backgrounds and pedigree,” Mr Abodunrin explained. “Many maids have also reportedly abducted their employers’ children and stolen their property. So, it’s not about licence or fee payment alone.”

According to him, the NSCDC registers, licences and trains private guard companies’ operatives in intelligence gathering and disaster management so they would not end up merely opening and shutting gates.

“The only thing we will not train them on is how to bear arms because the law establishing the engagement of private guards does not allow them to carry weapons,” Mr Abodunrin stated. 

(NAN)