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 while in possession of three pump-action guns. According to the Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Maku Olatunde, the suspects were arrested at an illegal roadblock in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, where they were reportedly extorting motorists and causing disruptions.
Olatunde, while parading the suspects, emphasized that the arrests were part of the NSCDC's broader mission to eliminate impersonators and criminal elements posing as private security personnel. The suspects were identified as Ekene Erigaka (27) from Imo State, Emeka Eze (28) from Anambra State, Ugoma Prosper (20) from Ihiala, Obiuto Eze (42) from Abia State, and Victor Nnadi (34) from Uli, Anambra State.
The arrest operation, conducted on October 3, 2024, was a joint effort between the NSCDC's Private Guard Company (PGC) Department and the Nteje Vigilante Group. The suspects were reportedly operating under the guise of a group called "AVG Special Squad" and had established an illegal checkpoint. Olatunde warned that such operations could lead to serious crimes, including robbery, extortion, abductions, and targeted killings.
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The NSCDC vowed to continue cracking down on illegal private security outfits, with Olatunde praising the PGC Department for its swift action in apprehending the suspects. He reiterated that unlicensed security operators would face legal consequences, and urged the public to report suspicious activities related to private security outfits to the nearest NSCDC office.
The NSCDC remains committed to regulating and sanitizing the private security sector in Anambra State to address the rising security challenges.
