By Usman Aliyu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has trained more than 80 personnel of licensed Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in Edo on cybersecurity, human relations and self-defence to tackle emerging security threats.
The two-day workshop, organised by the Private Guard Companies Department of the NSCDC Edo Command, began on Thursday at the command headquarters in Benin.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Edo Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Saidi Akintayo, said the training was necessitated by the evolving security landscape and critical role that private security personnel play in protecting lives and property.
According to him, private guards constitute an important component of Nigeria’s internal security architecture, providing security services in banks, schools, hospitals, industries, places of worship, residential estates and other critical facilities.
“The role of private guard companies in our internal security architecture can no longer be overemphasised.
“In Edo, you protect our banks, schools, hospitals, industries, places of worship and homes. You are often the first to notice danger and the first to respond.
“However, with this responsibility comes the need for continuous capacity building.
“A 21st-century security guard must be more than physically strong; he must be intelligent, disciplined, technologically compliant and people-friendly,” Akintayo said.
The NSCDC boss said the workshop was deliberately designed around three critical areas of human relations, self-defence and cybersecurity.
This, he said, was to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills required to address contemporary security challenges.
The commandant urged participants to see the training as an investment in their professional development and replicate the knowledge acquired within their respective organisations.
He also advised operators of licensed private guard companies to prioritise discipline, continuous training and the welfare of their personnel.
The resource person, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Nelson Adetan, who heads the Agro Rangers Department, said private security personnel could no longer afford to ignore cybersecurity because many organisations now depended on electronic access control systems, CCTV surveillance, biometric devices and digital communication platforms.
He warned participants against cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, ransomware attacks, social engineering and unauthorised access to sensitive information.
Adetan urged them to adopt safe online practices, protect confidential information, use strong passwords and promptly report suspicious digital activities capable of compromising organisational security.
Also speaking, the corps’ Head of Training and Staff Development, DCC Tijani Mohammed, stressed the importance of professionalism, discipline and sound judgment in security operations during a lecture on marksmanship.
He educated participants on weapon safety, target identification, accuracy and the need to strictly adhere to rules governing the use of force.
Earlier in his opening address, DCC Kareem Luckman, Head of the Private Guard Companies Department of the NSCDC, commended the participants for their commitment throughout the workshop.
He urged the management of licensed security firms to replicate the training for other personnel.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement through regular training, monitoring and enforcement of operational standards.
He said this was to ensure a professional, accountable and technologically compliant private security industry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AUO/CHOM
=========
Edited by Chioma Ugboma