Gombe NSCDC seals private guard company over licence renewal
Chima Azubuike
Nigeria security and civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe state Command has sealed a Private Guard Company, operating in the state, with head office in Tundun Wada axis.
Public Relations Officer, NSCDC Gombe state Command DSC Buhari Saad, said the indigenous Private Guard Company (PGC), identified as Hardawa private security guard company, was sealed following failure to renew it operational licence.
“Hardawa security has been barred from operating in the country as private guard company until the company meets the requirements of operating as as a private guard company,” Saad said.
Our correspondent learnt, the operation was carried out by second officer in charge of the PGC department, Assistant Commandant Godwin Aniagu, in accordance with the provisions of the private guard company regulations.
Confirming the sealing of Hardawa, Head of PGC, Deputy Commandant Eugene Iheanacho, explained that the security outfit had flouted one of the major regulations guiding private guard company operations in the country by refusing to renew their yearly licence.
He said, “This is in line with private guard company statutory mandate of licensing, monitoring and supervision of the activities of Private Guard Company (PGC) in Nigeria.
“Hardawa was sealed for it’s failure to renew it’s operational licence to operate in the Country.”
Iheanacho advised all other private security companies operating in the state to update their operational documents.
“or be faced with instant sealing of their premises and operations within and outside the state,” he added.
On his part, Ibrahim Shehu, General Manager Hardawa Security, said efforts are on going to settle outstanding fees, adding that the organization had applied for a waiver but was denied.
He said, “They said it is from accrued fees of N150,000 each year and we have been paying N100,000 every year. When I went to Abuja, in 2018 NSCDC calculated more than N1,000,000 as what has accrued.
“I was advised to apply for waiver through the Commandant General’s officer but the reply stated that the application was denied. We have been trying to talk to dignitaries so that they will be involved in appealing to the CG, so that the office can be opened.”
