Lagos State: More Than 20 Private Security Guard Firms Shut Down

NSCDC, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps says it has shut down more twenty private guard companies in the past five days for operating illegally in Lagos State.
The Commandant of the state Clement Adesuyi, stated this at a press conference in Lagos on Thursday.
Adesuyi said it was part of the constitutional role of the corps to provide training for private guard companies as well as regulating their activities.
He futher said, “One of our key functions is the registration of private guard companies and the constitution empowers us to regulate their activities as well as issuing licences to such companies.
“Since Monday, we have been moving around Lagos and we have sealed off at least 20 private security firms. Some of the firms are not registered at all, while others have expired licences. We will continue to carry out surprise checks and anyone found wanting will face the law.”
He further urged private security companies to go through the proper channel of registration and cautioned members of the public to hire security personnel only from registered private security firms.
He added that it remained a requirement for all private guard firms to have at least a retired security agent on its board because of the nature of the business, and their experience in the field.
He said, “It remains a requirement for every private security guard company to have at least a retired security agent as a member of its board of directors or its owner because of the nature of the business.
“It is also necessary that all other requirements are met before establishing such a firm because the NSCDC will inspect all firms to make sure that they are not found wanting. Security is serious business and it must be treated as such.” he said.