To bolster internal security and intelligence gathering within the nation’s capital, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has graduated 260 private security operatives drawn from 40 companies.

FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, noted that the programme was meticulously designed to equip the guards with contemporary techniques to tackle the increasingly complex, dynamic, and technology-driven security environment.

He stated this during the passing-out parade of the operatives at the completion of a five-day refresher training course on modern security management, held from August 10 to 14, at the newly commissioned FCT Command Training Ground on Friday in Abuja.

Odumosu emphasised that modern security management has evolved significantly beyond routine access control and gatekeeping.

“Today, private security operatives must be able to identify threats, observe suspicious behaviour, manage access, communicate effectively, respond to emergencies, protect critical facilities, preserve information and work collaboratively with relevant security agencies,” the Commandant stated.

He explained that criminal elements are constantly adopting new methods and exploiting vulnerabilities within communities, businesses, and public institutions; consequently, security personnel cannot afford to remain static in their knowledge or operational methods.

Olusola described private guards as strategic partners and the first line of early warning in many environments.

He urged the operatives to remain vigilant, pointing out that their professional judgment could either strengthen or undermine the security architecture of the FCT.

The Commandant reminded the gathering that the FCT is not merely the administrative capital, but home to critical national assets, diplomatic missions, and strategic installations, making a coordinated security approach indispensable.

Highlighting the statutory responsibility of the NSCDC to regulate Private Guard Companies (PGCs), the Commandant called for a stronger public-private security partnership, warning that the protection of critical infrastructure cannot rest exclusively on government agencies.

Furthermore, he charged security firms to prioritise the welfare and remuneration of their employees to ensure optimal performance and operational integrity.

He adds that “A company cannot demand professionalism from its guards while neglecting their welfare, equipment, working conditions and continuous training. Professional security requires professional treatment of security personnel.”

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), FCT Zone, Chief Lucky Ojealaro, commended the NSCDC for setting the pace for standardisation and global best practices in the private security sector.

The NSCDC chief, Ojealaro said “Your commitment to professionalism, discipline, and collaboration with the private security sector has once again been demonstrated through these training and capacity building programmes.”

He described the NSCDC as a proud regulator and a “big brother” to the association, expressing optimism that the updated curriculum would have a profound impact on security operations across the territory.

Congratulating the graduates, the ALPSPN chairman charged the operatives to immediately translate the knowledge acquired into their official functions to justify the investment in their capacity development and ensure a safer society.