Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps, Ebonyi State Command has vowed to clampdown on all private guard companies operating illegally in Ebonyi State.
The State Commandant, Elijah Etim Willie (Phd) handed down the warning thisWednesday (6/5/24) during his maiden interaction with the representatives of some of the companies in his office in Abakaliki
He directed the head of Private Guard Company Department of the command to brace up for a full scale clampdown on all illegal operators from next month.
“I have observed with dismay the abysmal performance of PGC in Ebonyi State. First impression matters! We gave you license to operate. You must accord the same regards to us in the State. Only in synergy can we work together”, he said.
According to the Commandant, NSCDC is poised to seal up all the companies without valid licences or whose documents and payments are not up to date. He further frowned at the attitude of some of the company’ directors who have the knack to shun invitation to meetings with the Corps, stating that the same law operational in the states housing their corporate headquarters is applicable to Ebonyi State.
Contributing, the Head, Private Guard Company department of the Command, DC Daniel Okoro requested for a joint task force with the Association of Private Guards of Nigeria to weed out the illegal operators. The taskforce, expected to start work in two weeks time, will siff the chaff from the grain.
According to him, some of the companies went out of their way to obtain corporate Affairs Commission’s registration, believing same to supercede that of the Ministry of Interior. He asserted that he CAC certificate was actually one of the requirements for proper registration by the Ministry.
He equally cited Black Eagle company whose licence was revoked but went to operate illegally until recently when it was restored, and vowed never to condone such again in the state.
DC Okoro welcomed with joy, a newly licensed JEMA SECURITY outfit which brings to two, indigenous Private Guards companies in Ebonyi state. He also reiterated his proposal for a retraining program for Private guards personels as well as convocation of enlarged Security Summit that would involve all the CEOs of the PGCs.
“If you don’t have operational office in Ebonyi State, you must request your headquarters to set up one immediately, otherwise we will arrest you as illegal operators.”
The HOD cited SODAFEM at firstbank as example of such culprit’s.
In his response, the State Chairman of the Association, High Chief Chika Eze appreciated the State Commandant for affording them the opportunity of interactions. He solicited the assistance of the new Commandant towards reinvigorating of the Association in the state. About 87 Private guards companies are currently operating in Ebonyi State but only 12 answered the Clarion call
…..