By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has charged private guard operatives in the Federal Capital Territory FCT to serve as a critical intelligence-gathering arm of the nation’s security architecture, urging them to observe, document and promptly report suspicious activities within their areas of operation.

FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Olusola Odumosu, at the passing-out parade of the Refresher Training Course on Modern Security Management for Private Guard Operatives, held at the newly commissioned FCT Command Training Ground, Abuja.

Odumosu, who spoke at the event attended by the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, FCT Zone, and other stakeholders, said 260 private guard operatives drawn from 40 private security companies in the FCT successfully completed the five-day programme.

He said private security operatives were often the first to notice suspicious movements, unusual behaviour, unauthorised access and emerging threats, describing them as the first line of observation and early warning in many environments where conventional security agencies may not always have a permanent presence.

“Your ability to recognise, document and appropriately report suspicious activities can help prevent crime before it occurs. This places a serious responsibility on you and you must understand that your actions, conduct and professional judgement can either strengthen or undermine the security of the organisation and community you are engaged to protect,” he said.

The Commandant urged the operatives to develop a mindset of security consciousness and vigilance in protecting lives and safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure in the territory, given that the FCT hosts government institutions, diplomatic missions, financial institutions, communication facilities and other strategic installations.

“Do not merely perform security duties as a routine job. Understand the environment. Know the vulnerabilities. Observe changes. Ask appropriate questions. Report suspicious activities to us immediately and leave the rest to us. Maintain proper records, and above all, never compromise your professional responsibilities for personal gains,” he said.

Odumosu explained that the NSCDC, which has the statutory responsibility for the regulation, monitoring, supervision and licensing of private guard companies, regarded private security firms as strategic partners rather than mere entities to be regulated, adding that the Command would continue to engage the sector through training, supervision and constructive collaboration.

He called on private guard companies to invest more deliberately in the training, welfare and professional development of their personnel, stressing that professionalism could not be demanded of guards while neglecting their welfare, equipment and working conditions.

Odumosu commended the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his continued emphasis on training and capacity building within the Corps.