FIC Report (Anambra State) – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has vowed to intensify its crackdown on unlicensed private security operators across the state, warning that illegal firms operating outside regulatory provisions will be apprehended and prosecuted.
The warning was issued during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting between the NSCDC and the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Anambra State Chapter, held at the Command Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on concerns over operational irregularities, non-compliance with regulations, and unprofessional practices allegedly perpetrated by some unregistered private security outfits in the state.
Speaking during the meeting, the State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, described private security operators as critical partners in Nigeria’s security architecture, especially amid prevailing security challenges in the country.
He reiterated that the NSCDC remains the statutory body responsible for the registration, licensing, training, regulation, and supervision of Private Guard Companies nationwide, stressing that the Command would not tolerate any breach of established operational standards.
According to him, the Command had received reports of individuals and groups posing as private security practitioners and illegally deploying guards to public and private facilities in violation of the Private Guard Companies Act and operational guidelines issued by the Corps.
“This trend is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of the private security profession. The Command will soon commence a coordinated operation to clamp down on all illegal and unlicensed private security operators within Anambra State,” Olatunde stated.
The Commandant commended the leadership of ALPSPN in the state for its efforts toward strengthening professionalism and improving operational standards among licensed operators. He, however, maintained that collaboration with the NSCDC must be anchored on discipline, integrity, and strict compliance with extant laws.
“Private security operators play a complementary role in supporting government security efforts. However, professionalism and adherence to regulations must remain non-negotiable,” he added.
Olatunde further urged members of the association to uphold ethical standards, comply with relevant laws guiding their operations, and work collectively to enhance the credibility and relevance of the private security industry.
He also called on licensed operators to report erring firms and support ongoing efforts to sanitize the sector.
“The NSCDC remains committed to creating a safe and enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive. We will ensure that only qualified and law-abiding operators are allowed to function within the state,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ALPSPN in Anambra State, Dr. Okon Antai, commended the NSCDC for convening the stakeholders’ engagement and for its continued oversight of private security activities in the state.
Antai noted that the forum provided an opportunity to deliberate on strategies for improving standards and professionalism among licensed private security companies beyond profit-making considerations.
He assured the Command of the association’s full cooperation and pledged that members would comply with all directives aimed at preserving the integrity of the industry.
Earlier, the Head of the Command’s Private Guard Company Department, Deputy Commandant Cecelia Okoye-Iheme, emphasized the strategic importance of licensed private security practitioners in intelligence gathering and the protection of critical national assets.
She urged operators to provide timely and credible intelligence to the NSCDC, noting that many private guards possess valuable knowledge of the communities where they operate.
Okoye-Iheme reaffirmed the department’s commitment to sanitizing the sector and ensuring that only qualified and law-abiding firms are permitted to operate in Anambra State.
Ikeji Emeka
Senior information and public Relations officer
FIRC, Awka
2/6/2026
