NSCDC To Private Guards: Don’t Just Guard Gates, Detect Threats

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has charged private security operatives to move beyond routine gatekeeping and develop the capacity to detect, document and report emerging security threats before they escalate.

The FCT Commandant of the NSCDC , Dr Olusola Odumosu, gave the charge on Friday at the passing-out parade of 260 private guard operatives drawn from 40 private security companies after a five-day refresher training on modern security management in Abuja.

The five-day refresher course which held from August 10 to 14, 2026, was organised in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), FCT Zone.

The commandant said the changing nature of crime and insecurity had made it imperative for private security personnel to remain vigilant and constantly update their skills.

He noted that private guards are often the first to observe suspicious movements, unusual behaviour, unauthorised access and security breaches in residential estates, businesses, hotels, construction sites, financial institutions and other facilities.

“Do not merely perform security duties as a routine job. Understand the environment. Know the vulnerabilities. Observe changes. Ask appropriate questions. Report suspicious activities to us immediately and leave the rest to us,” he charged.

According to him, modern security management goes beyond guarding gates and checking visitors, as private security operatives must be able to identify threats, manage access, respond to emergencies, preserve information and protect critical facilities.

He said criminal elements were constantly adopting new methods and exploiting vulnerabilities within communities, businesses and critical infrastructure, making continuous training and retraining essential for security personnel.

The Commandant described private security operatives as important stakeholders in Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that their strategic position in various establishments gives them a crucial role in early warning and crime prevention.

He said the NSCDC, which is responsible for the regulation, monitoring, supervision and licensing of private guard companies, would continue to strengthen collaboration with the private security sector through training, professional guidance and supervision.

Odumosu also challenged private security companies to invest more in the training, equipment and welfare of their personnel, stressing that professionalism could not be demanded from guards while their welfare and working conditions were neglected.

“A company cannot demand professionalism from its guards while neglecting their welfare, equipment, working conditions and continuous training,” he said.

He further warned that seemingly minor security breaches could escalate into major incidents if they were not detected and addressed promptly, particularly around critical national assets and infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory.

Odumosu urged the graduating operatives to see the completion of the training as the beginning of a renewed professional commitment, rather than the end of their learning.

He said every threat identified, incident prevented and life protected by a private security operative contributes to the peace and development of the country.

The Commandant said stronger cooperation between private security companies and government security agencies remained essential to creating a safer Federal Capital Territory and protecting lives and critical national assets.