The FCT command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed three private guard companies (PGCs) operating illegally in the territory.

The NSCDC FCT commandant, Olusola Odumosu, led the monitoring and enforcement exercise on Wednesday in Abuja.

The three PGCs sealed were Ochacho Security Nigeria Ltd at Idu Industrial Layout, Justigo Security and Allied Services in Gwarimpa, and Macro Security Consult and Service at Wuse 2, Abuja.

Mr Odumosu said that Ochacho was sealed for the offence of failure to register as a PGC, refusal to be subject to the licensing authority, employment of guards without approval, and posing a threat to national security and public interest.

“We invited them, but they refused to comply, so we had no choice but to seal them to stop their illegal operations and compel them to register appropriately,” he said.

The commandant said that Justigo Security Company, on the other hand, was sealed for operating with two different uniforms.

“You are also charged with the offence of threatening national security, refusal to be subjected to licencing authority, and employment of guards without licence approval.

There is no display of an operating license, and you have not renewed your license in the last two years, and if you claim you have, there is no receipt to show,” he added.

Mr Odumosu further explained that Macro Security Company was sealed because the company was not registered and had been operating illegally for years.

“They have been operating for the last three years without an operating licence, which is not allowed,” Mr Odumosu said.

According to him, it was illegal for the company to operate without appropriate registration.

He said the corps was responsible for licencing and regulating the operations of PGCs, which is why the three companies were sealed for compliance violations.

The commandant emphasised that PGCs are a significant part of Nigeria’s internal security system, and it’s important to constantly monitor their operations.

“This is a matter of serious security concern that cannot be compromised. We can’t allow quacks or miscreants to handle our security.

“This effort will be sustained; security operations are not for everyone because we are already facing too many security challenges. That’s why we won’t tolerate any illegal operations.

“Under the leadership of the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, we won’t condone such illegalities and threats to national security,” Mr Odumosu said.

He mentioned that once the sealed PGCs fulfil the necessary operational requirements, the companies will be unsealed and granted operational approval.

(NAN)