Abuja – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday, urged Private Guard Companies (PGCs) to be proactive in their complementary role to national security.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Abdullahi Gana, made the call in a statement issued by Mr Emmanuel Okeh, the Public Relations Officer of the Corps made available in Abuja.
Okeh quoted the NSCDC boss as saying that private guard companies complemented regular security agencies, and therefore needed to be cautious and proactive in their activities.
Gana said “Private Guards Company (PGC) is considered the third tier in the operations of security apparatus in the nation, not only for profit making ventures but complementing the regular security agencies.
“They have to be proactive in information and intelligence gathering in order to forestall acts that could constitute security threats to the nation.”
The commandant general added that in its efforts to strengthen the PGCs, the Corps, in collaboration with the Institute of Security Nigeria, recently organised a workshop for key personnel.
He noted that the Corps was also working with the National Security Adviser’s Office to give special training to personnel of the PGCs in intelligence gathering and relevant security matters.
“This will upgrade their performance while discharging their duties,” he added.
The NSCDC is statutorily empowered to supervise, regulate, licence and ensure adequate training for PGC operators in the country. (NAN)