The Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Augustine Padonu, has emphasized the urgent need for private security companies to actively participate in information gathering, serving as an extension of the formal security agencies in the light of the current state of insecurity in the country.
This call to action was made during the closing ceremony of a 3-Day Training programme for private security guards organized by the Private Guard Companies Department of NSCDC, Oyo State Command.
The event, themed “Private Guard in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities and Best Practices,” took place from Tuesday, June 24th to Thursday, June 26th, 2024 at the Command Headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan.
The NSCDC Commandant was represented by the Head of Department, Administration, DCC Moshood Adeyemo, at the ceremony.
The training programme for private guard companies was part of the mandates of NSCDC as enshrined in Act No. 2 of 2003 as amended in 2007 and reflects the vision of the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR. Emphasizing the importance of integrating the efforts of private security companies.
Commandant Padonu explained that such collaboration will further strengthen the existing security architecture in the country, making the fight against insecurity more comprehensive.
He reiterated the significance of private security guards within the country’s security framework, just as he emphasized that training these guards will enhance their effectiveness, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure environment for all.
The training saw active participation from various private security companies headquartered in Oyo State and those with branches in the State.
“This diverse participation underscores the collective commitment to enhancing the capabilities and professionalism of private security personnel, he added.
Commandant Padonu urged the trainees to discharge their duties effectively and apply the knowledge gained during the comprehensive three-day training programme to their daily responsibilities.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Seyi Alaba, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Oyo State Branch.
He was represented by Mrs Balogun, the Vice-Chairman and other esteemed stakeholders from the private security sector. Their presence reaffirmed the shared dedication to fostering a robust and collaborative security environment across the state.
He said the state command of the NSCDC remains steadfast in its commitment to harnessing the collective efforts of formal security agencies and private security companies to build a safer and more secure society for all.
