NSCDC: Commandant tasks PGCs on collaborative efforts to secure Taraba
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Taraba State Command, Adamu Salihu, has charged Operatives of Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in Taraba State to always work collaboratively with NSCDC to secure schools, lives and property of the people of the state.
Adamu Salihu was speaking at a crucial meeting of stakeholders of Private Guard Companies and NSCDC which he convened at the Taraba State Command Headquarters Jalingo as part of efforts to address the challenges facing effective operations of the Private Guard Companies in the State.
He emphasized that information sharing and intelligence gathering were effective security tools for combating crime and protecting lives and property of the people.
In his words, “I have made it mandatory for all PGCs operating within Taraba State to feed the Command with vital security information that will help us to further secure the State. This is so because you cover soft targets like schools, hospitals, and banks”.
The Commandant further commended the pivotal role played by private guard companies in complementing the efforts of government security agencies and assured the stakeholders of the Command’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Private Guard Companies in the state.
While updating the PGCs of the ongoing efforts to review and strengthen the regulatory framework governing the Private Guard Sector, Adamu Salihu emphasized the need for compliance with established standards and regulations, adding that it would enhance professionalism and ensure the provision of quality security services by Private Guard Companies.
The Commandant informed the PGCs of the Commandant General’s initiative to secure schools nationwide. According to him, “the Commandant General Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi Mni OFR, has launched the Safe School Initiative to ensure the safety of our school children at all levels as PGCs are going to play a very important role in ensuring the success of the programme.
“To this end, the Commandant General has approved a training programme which will be held in Borno State and your companies will be involved in the training to enhance your capacity to deliver when the programme kick starts in Taraba”. The Commandant added.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Taraba State, Elder Jediel Balanko, expressed delight over the arrival of a new State Commandant whom he said has been very supportive of the activities of the Private Guard Companies in the state.
He highlighted identification of genuine and licensed companies as well as the issue of some companies claiming autonomy because they were registered at the National Headquarters in Abuja as the two major problems facing ALSPN in Taraba State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of the PGC Unit, Deputy Commandant (DCC), Kenneth Udenka, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Private Guard Companies but assured them that their concerns were well-known to his unit.
DCC Udenka emphasized that the meeting would serve as a platform towards finding effective solutions to the challenges faced by the PGCs in the state.
Meanwhile, representatives from various Private Guard Companies were present to voice their concerns and engage in productive discussions. Key issues raised during the meeting included inadequate training and capacity building for private guards, licensing and registration procedures, and the need for a more robust regulatory framework to ensure professionalism and accountability within the industry.
Furthermore, the NSCDC officials pledged their support in providing necessary training and capacity-building programmes for Private Guards. They stressed the importance of continuous training to improve the skills and knowledge of guards, enabling them to effectively carry out their duties and respond to emerging security threats.
The stakeholders meeting concluded on a positive note, with the private Guard Companies expressing their gratitude to the NSCDC for their willingness to engage and address their concerns. They expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would lead to tangible improvements in the Private Guard Industry, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure Taraba State and Nigeria at large
