By Suleiman Shehu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has trained 65 personnel of Private Guard Companies (PGCs) to enhance security in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3-day training, which ended on Thursday, had as its theme: “The Role of Private Guard Companies in the Face of Current Security Challenges”.
The event also featured the inauguration of a Joint Task Force on Illegal Private Guard Companies, which is chaired by retired Capt. Bisi Ojebola.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the training, the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Augustine Padonu, said the essence of the training was to bridge security gaps in the state.
Padonu, represented by the Command’s Deputy Commandant, DCC Timothy Patuola, said that the country’s security agencies alone could not tackle the security challenges and required the collaboration of PGCs and other stakeholders.
He said that the training would also improve capacity and service delivery of the participants.
“Ensure to positively contribute your quota in improving the security of the state and Nigeria in general anywhere you are posted to.
“If you see any suspicious movement, endeavour to alert the security agencies to nip it in the bud,” the commandant said.
Padonu said that the corps does not joke with PGCs not because of revenue generation but because of their important roles in bridging security gaps in the state.
He commended the private guard companies for their collaboration and solicited their cooperation in ensuring the training of more of their guards.
In his remarks, the NSCDC PGC Head of Department, DCC Akintayo Akande, said the training has affirmed that private guarding in Nigeria is not mere business but a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Akande called on the Association of Licenced Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) to continue to collaborate with the command on information sharing and synergy to combat the evolving security threats.
He further urged them to be professionals by investing in training, technology and ethics to drive growth and raise standards in the industry.
One of the trainees, Mr David Anangwureyi from Treblem Security Company, appreciated the NSCDC for the training, describing it as impactful.
He pledged to make judicious use of the knowledge gained and as well train others.
The topics taught during the training included: PGCs as Grassroots Intelligence Network, Internal Security, and Crime Prevention.
Others are Legal Boundaries and Human Rights, Forensic Support, School Safety, Report Writing, Intelligence Gathering, and Workplace Safety.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Bayo Sekoni