NSCDC closes 15 security companies in Lagos

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos State said it stopped 15 private security companies from operating illegally.

The NSCDC Commandant, Mr Gabriel Abafi, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Lagos on Friday.

Abafi said that companies were either not registered or had expired licences.

He urged the companies to renew their licences in order to avoid being shutdown.

The commandant said that when ongoing investigations were completed, the NSCDC would prosecute the companies.

He also said that the NSCDC had the mandate to inspect and register private security companies before they could operate in the country.

“The NSCDC is mandated to protect critical infrastructures, national assets, registration of private guard companies and protection of civil populace without compromise.

“Some of those companies were sealed due to non-renewal of their licences while others operate illegally without licence or registration.

“Illegal private guard company will be faced out and most of the them who are yet to renew their licences will also be shutdown completely from operation,’’ Abafi said.

He that no fewer than 50 private guard companies were sealed due to non-registration and illegal operations in the state in 2014.

Abafi said that the NSCDC would continue to exhibit professionalism in all its conducts and be patriotic in its activities to ensure peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.

The commandant advised parents to caution their children, and also appeal to youths to desist from anything that could lead to the breakdown of law and order during the forthcoming general election.

He also appealed to youths to shun violence and desist from vices that could dent their image.

“Cleric and parents can also play a prominent role in advising the youths on the consequence of violating the laws and also to avoid being used as thugs during elections.’’ (NAN)