The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command has expressed its readiness to clampdown on all illegal private security outfits operating within the state.
The move, according to the Command, is to address the abuse of uniforms by private organizations, youth groups and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The state Commandant, Augustine Padonu, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Samuel Opebiyi on Wednesday.
He expressed concern that the unauthorized use of uniforms, including imitating those of government security agencies, by unapproved organizations poses a significant security risk.
Padonu described the act as impersonation, which creates a haven for criminals disguising as legitimate security personnel.
The Commandant expressed deep apprehension about the implications of this trend, particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with the menace of insecurity.
“The abuse of uniforms will provide a hiding place for criminals to carry out their activities under disguise,” warned Commandant Padonu.
He, therefore, directed a comprehensive crackdown on all illegal private security outfits, emphasizing on the importance of upholding legal security frameworks to ensure public safety.
Padonu underscored the critical importance of adhering to uniform regulations and licensing requirements to mitigate the security implications of the abuse of uniforms.
The Commandant solicited the cooperation and compliance of all private guard companies and related organizations with the support of the public to ensure the safety and security of the country.
He also urged cooperation from the public in reporting any suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
Padonu noted that NSCDC is statutorily mandated to license, train, monitor and supervise private guard companies (PGCs) as regards to the NSCDC Act No. 2 of 2003 (amended 2007).
The Commandant maintained that the part of the mandates includes regulating the uniforms worn by private security guards employed by PGCs.
The Head of Department, Private Guard Companies, NSCDC Oyo State Command, DCC Akintayo Akande, reiterated his commitment to enforcing the Commandant’s directive.
He stressed that no stone will be left unturned in identifying and dismantling illegal private security outfits’ operations.
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