The Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Geraldine Sixtus Abetianbe, has declared zero tolerance for any form of illegal Private Guard Company (PGC) operations in the state, warning that violators will face severe sanctions.
Commandant Abetianbe made this known on Friday, through a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SC Friday Ekerete, when the Executive Council of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, paid her a courtesy visit following her assumption of office.
Welcoming the State Commandant, the Chairman of ALPSPN in Akwa Ibom State, Barrister Etetim Onuk, congratulated her on her appointment and presented an overview of PGC operations in the state.
He highlighted the achievements recorded by his executive council within seven months in office, outlined challenges confronting licensed operators, and sought the Command’s support in addressing the identified issues.
In her response, Commandant Abetianbe commended ALPSPN for its efforts and acknowledged the strategic role and valuable contributions of Private Guard Companies to the security architecture of Akwa Ibom State and the country at large.
She advised PGC operators to embrace technology, continuous training, and appropriate self-defence gadgets to enhance the efficiency of their operations, particularly during night duties.
The State Commandant expressed concern over the continued operation of illegal PGCs in the state, stressing that such operators must regularize their status or face enforcement actions.
She assured ALPSPN of the NSCDC Command’s full support in promoting compliance with regulatory standards and adherence to the Association’s policies for both domestic and branch PGCs.
The visit reached its climax with the ceremonial decoration of Commandant Abetianbe with the ALPSPN brooch, in recognition of her past and ongoing contributions to the regulation and development of Private Guard Company operations in Nigeria.
