Anambra NSCDC finds weapons and detains 8 unauthorized private guards.

Anambra NSCDC finds weapons and detains 8 unauthorized private guards.

Eight people were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant in Anambra State for engaging in unlawful private guard activities. Four pump action rifles containing sixteen live cartridges were also taken from the suspects.

The accused were taken into custody during a recent operation in Awka against unlicensed private security guards, according to Olatunde Maku, the commandant of Anambra State.

Maku sternly warned those who run illegal private security companies in the state on Friday when presenting the suspects at the headquarters in Awka.

In view of the current security issues, he said, the NSCDC, which regulates private security guards, is still dedicated to monitoring their operations.

He continued by saying that only accredited and licenced private security firms should be permitted to operate in the state, and that the arrests were made in response to intelligence reports and the need to clean up the security sector.

“We are here to continue carrying out the mandate of the NSCDC, and we have fulfilled all of our obligations,” he declared.

“I have been charged by Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, to go to Anambra State and carry out the fundamental duties of the Corps.

“NSCDC agents conducted a raid in Awka, Anambra state, earlier on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and these suspects were taken into custody.”

“Eze Emmanuel Uche “m,” aged 34, Patrick Nwoye Joseph “m,” aged 27, and Okafor Chibuike “m,” aged 21, were the first three suspects, who were employees of the RSS. Tochukwu Chukwuemeka “m,” aged 27, a member of the G7 AVG security group, was arrested at G7 Plaza, St. Joseph Road, Awka.

“The other four suspects, Amu Emmanuel, age 23, Kingsley Asuauo, age 20, Blessed Mfonu, age 22, and Ikechukwu Emeka, age 21, were apprehended while working as security guards for hotels.

“In the interim, 16 live cartridges and four pump action guns were also found on them.”

Maku went on to say that preliminary inquiry had shown that some of the arrested suspects were posing as members of the Anambra Vigilante Group, while others had been hired by hotels to offer security, even though the establishments were aware that the groups lacked a license or registration.

He emphasized that the ongoing raid will lessen the likelihood of security breaches and criminal activity, as well as help stop the growth of illegal security outfits. He also promised to crack down on any illegal outfit, apprehend and prosecute their operators, and retrieve any illegal weapons they may have.

He warned licensed private guard organizations to operate within the law and refrain from engaging in criminal activities, as any infringement will result in serious consequences. He asked the public to report any suspicious actions or unlawful security outfits to the Corps for swift action.

The command hopes to guarantee everyone’s safety and security in Anambra by bringing some sanity back to the private security industry’s operations.

“This arrest and weapon recovery marks a major victory in the state’s efforts to lower crime rates.”

“With the NSCDC in place, which is the only organization in Nigeria tasked with licensing, overseeing, and monitoring private securities organizations, nobody will ever operate a private guard business in Anambra State illegally.

“Everything they do is prohibited in the state, and we will root them out. I want to issue a warning to all unlawful security groups, telling them to shut down or face the repercussions.

Maku said, “As a result, all of the suspects are presently the subject of an investigation, following which they will be charged to the appropriate court of jurisdiction for prosecution.”