Mr. Ahmed Audi, Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned Private Guard Companies (PGC) against recruitment of unlawful citizens as security operatives.

Audi gave the warning in a statement issued by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Olusola Odumosu, on Monday, in Abuja.

The commandant general said that the corps must be involved in every recruitment and training of guards to ensure that due diligence was observed.

“It’s my advice that PGC exercises caution in its recruitment drive to avoid employing criminally minded individuals.”

He said that the warning became necessary following the prevailing rate of insecurity in the country, especially in the Northeast.

According to him, the private security industry plays a significant role in assisting security agencies of government in checkmating the dangerous trend of insecurity.

“This trend has led to the loss of lives and property, with many more displaced from their homes,” he said.

The CG further charged PGCs to look beyond the business aspects by channeling its energy more towards improving internal security by gathering and sharing intelligence, timely, and credible information.

Audi stated that the launch of new PGCs addressed the challenges of unemployment in the country.

“It will go a long way in providing job opportunities for many of our teeming youths and thus, shift their focus from criminal tendencies.

“Knowing fully well that idleness has made them vulnerable to different kinds of negative influence which have brought us to where we are today,” he said.

He called on members of the public to assist the corps and other security agencies in safeguarding public assets by reporting threats to appropriate authorities.

He decried the ugly trend where citizens displayed nonchalant attitudes and in some cases connived with inhabitants of some communities with criminal elements and indulged in economic crimes.

Abia govt warns against destructive criticisms on social media

The NSCDC boss warned that perpetrators must stop or face severe sanctions when arrested.

He noted that the corps had resolved to intensify surveillance and strengthened synergy with other critical stakeholders to confront vandals in all their hideouts.