Pix: Dr Ahmed Audi, CG, NSCDC

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a stern warning to organizations operating private security outfits without the necessary licenses and approvals.

This directive was contained in a press statement signed by the Gombe State Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Buhari Saad.

According to the statement, these unauthorized security firms are in direct violation of the Private Guard Companies Act Cap 367 (1990) and the NSCDC Act 2003 (as amended in 2007), which mandate that all private security organizations must be properly registered and licensed by the Federal Government through the NSCDC.

The Corps emphasized that unlicensed private security operations pose a significant threat to public safety, as they lack the proper training, background checks, and regulatory oversight required to provide professional security services.

The Gombe State Command described this announcement as a final warning to all illegal private security operators across the state.

It warned that failure to immediately cease operations and comply with licensing requirements would result in strict enforcement measures.

These measures include:the immediate closure of unlicensed security firms, arrest and prosecution of violators and confiscation of unauthorized security equipment.

The NSCDC urged affected organizations to visit the Gombe State Command for proper guidance on obtaining the required licenses. The deadline for compliance is February 14, 2025, after which enforcement actions will commence.