NSCDC Arrests Five Suspected Illegal Security Guards in Anambra, Confiscates Firearms
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The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended five individuals suspected of operating as illegal private security guards. During the operation, three pump-action guns were confiscated.
Commandant Maku Olatunde announced the arrests in Awka while presenting the suspects, as detailed in a press release signed by Superintendent Okadigbo Edwin, Head of Media and Tactical Operations at the NSCDC Anambra State Command.
The suspects were taken into custody on Thursday at an unauthorized roadblock in Nteje, located in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. They were reportedly extorting money from motorists, causing significant hardship for road users.
Olatunde emphasized that these arrests reflect the Corps’ commitment to eradicating impersonators and criminal elements who exploit the guise of private security to engage in unlawful activities.
The State Commandant has identified the five arrested suspects as Ekene Erigaka, 27, from Ihime Mbano, Imo State; Emeka Eze, 28, from Oraukwu, Anambra State; Ugoma Prosper, 20, from Okohia Ihiala; Obiuto Eze, 42, from Isialangwa South, Abia State; and Victor Nnadi, 34, from Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to the statement, on October 3, 2024, at approximately 4:30 PM, the NSCDC acted on credible intelligence indicating that the suspects were operating an illegal roadblock in Nteje, wearing black T-shirts emblazoned with “AVG Special Squad.” The command swiftly deployed operatives from the Private Guard Company (PGC) Department, in collaboration with the Nteje Vigilante Group, to apprehend the individuals.
Preliminary investigations suggest that such illegal checkpoints can lead to various criminal activities, including robberies, extortion, abductions, and targeted killings of both civilians and state officials.
“These individuals are hindering average citizens from conducting their legitimate businesses,” the State Commandant remarked. “We are committed to eliminating all forms of crime and criminality in line with our Corps mandate.”
He praised the Private Guards Company Department for their tireless efforts in combating illegal private security operators and for their swift action in apprehending the suspects.
“This serves as a strong warning that unlicensed security outfits will not be tolerated, and those involved in such activities will be brought to justice in a competent court,” he stated.
The Commandant expressed gratitude to the citizens of Anambra State for their continued support of the NSCDC, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior related to private security guards or outfits to the nearest NSCDC office.
“The NSCDC, as the regulatory body responsible for licensing, monitoring, and supervising private security companies, will persist in cleaning up the industry to address the growing security challenges in the country,” the statement concluded.
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