NSCDC Accuses Anambra Of Encroaching On Its Private Security Registration Mandate

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has accused the Anambra State Government of encroaching on its statutory mandate following the state’s directive for private security companies to register with its security outfit, Agunechemba.
The accusation came on the heels of an announcement by the Anambra State Government scheduling Tuesday, February 17, for the commencement of formal registration and documentation of private security organisations operating in the state.
At an interactive session with operators of private security outfits in Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi, expressed concern that many of the companies were operating without proper documentation and legal backing.
Emeakayi noted that although some firms possessed Certificates of Registration from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), such documentation alone did not qualify them to function as private security companies.
According to him, proper registration with the NSCDC remains a constitutional requirement, as the Corps is the federal agency empowered to register and regulate private guard companies. He added that after federal registration, such firms are expected to register with the state where they operate.
He disclosed that intelligence reports suggested some individuals operating private security outfits were allegedly using them as fronts to arm criminals. Consequently, he said security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, and the NSCDC would profile personnel of private security companies to ensure they were not engaged in criminal activities.
Emeakayi clarified that registration with the NSCDC does not automatically grant the right to bear arms. He maintained that only those affiliated with the state’s security outfit, Agunechemba, may be considered for such privileges, stressing that private security guards are distinct from vigilante groups.
He warned that a joint task force would soon begin enforcement operations against unregistered security operatives, particularly those operating in markets. Companies found to be involved in cultism, illicit drug activities, or other criminal offences risk license revocation and possible prosecution.
One of the participants at the meeting, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Samuel Ezekwo, owner of SECLINK Vigilante Services, called for improved networking and information sharing among security operators to enhance safety across the state.
However, reacting to the state government’s move, NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, at a press briefing in Awka, described the directive mandating private guard companies to register with Agunechemba as misleading and a violation of the law establishing Private Guard Companies (PGCs).
Olatunde stated that the registration, licensing, training, monitoring, and regulation of private guard companies fall exclusively under the NSCDC, as stipulated in the NSCDC Act 2003 (as amended). He emphasised that no agency, including the Agunechemba State Security Squad, has the authority to compel PGCs to re-register with it.
“The Corps will not be party to any arrangement that compromises national security or contravenes existing laws,” he said, urging the public and operators to disregard any directive inconsistent with federal legislation.
The Commandant also condemned what he described as interference by some agencies in shutting down mining sites in the state, insisting that under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the NSCDC is responsible for surveillance and enforcement at mining sites.
He warned intending miners to desist from commencing operations until their registrations are fully approved.
Additionally, the NSCDC cautioned road construction companies against the destruction of fibre-optic cables and other critical national assets during excavation works, noting that such actions contravene directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Offenders, he said, would be arrested and prosecuted.
Despite the disagreement, the Corps pledged continued support for the Anambra State Government’s renewed anti-sit-at-home enforcement and confidence-building patrols across the state, aimed at safeguarding banks, markets, parks, and other critical infrastructure.
The development signals a brewing jurisdictional dispute between the federal security agency and the state government over regulatory control of private security operations in Anambra State.