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The Anambra State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested five suspected illegal private security guards with three pump action guns.
The state Commandant, NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this in Awka, while parading the suspects, according to a press statement on Friday, signed by the Superintendent of Corps and Head, Media and Tactical Ops NSCDC Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin.
Olatunde said the suspects were arrested on Thursday at an illegal roadblock in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State extorting money from motorists while causing untold hardships to the road users.
He stressed that the arrest of the suspects was part of the Corps’ determination to eliminate impersonators and undesirable elements who hide under the cover of private security guards to perpetuate crime.
The State Commandant gave the names of the suspects as Ekene Erigaka ‘m’ 27 years from Ihime Mbano, Imo State, Emeka Eze ‘m’ 28 years from Oraukwu, Anambra State, Ugoma Prosper ‘m’ 20 years from Okohia Ihiala, Obiuto EZE ‘m’ 42 years from Isialangwa South, Abia State and Victor Nnadi ‘m’ 34 years from Uli in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
The statement read in part, “On Thursday 3/10/2024 at about 1630hrs, based on credible Intelligence received that a group of five suspected illegal security guards were sighted at a roadblock in Nteje on black T-shirt crested “AVG Special Squad”, the command quickly mobilized operatives of Private Guard Company (PGC) Department in collaboration with Nteje Vigilante Group to the scene and arrested the suspects.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that this kind of illegal checkpoint can facilitate robberies, extortions, abductions and the targeted killings of civilians and state actors.
“They are among those making it difficult for average citizens to pursue their legitimate business.
“We are resolute and determined to rid the state of every form of crime and criminality in accordance with our Corps mandate.”
He commended the Private Guards Company Department for their relentless efforts in the fight against illegal operators of private security outfits and for prompt response in apprehending the suspects.
“This is a strong message that unlicensed security outfits would not be tolerated, and those engaging in such practices will be caught to face the consequences of their actions in a competent court of jurisdiction.
“We appreciate the good people of the State for their support to NSCDC and we urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities of private security guards or outfits to the nearest NSCDC office.
“The NSCDC, as the regulatory body overseeing the licensing, monitoring, and supervision of private security companies, will continue to sanitise the industry to address the escalating security challenges facing the country,” the statement added.
