FG should allow private security guards to step in after police withdrawal – Gen Njoku
In this interview with Weekend Trust, the interim Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Major-General Elvis Njoku rtd, urged the federal government to commence amendments of the Private Guard Companies Act in order to enable it join forces to tackle emerging security threats in the country. There are concerns […]
In this interview with Weekend Trust, the interim Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Major-General Elvis Njoku rtd, urged the federal government to commence amendments of the Private Guard Companies Act in order to enable it join forces to tackle emerging security threats in the country.
There are concerns that many policemen attached to VIPs may be unwilling to return to their original duty posts. As someone knowledgeable in the private security sector, how can this be addressed?
I don’t know where the claim that “they are not willing to go back” came from. A presidential directive is a presidential directive.
Yes, in the past, implementation was difficult, I agree, but this directive was only issued a few days ago. Let’s not put the cart before the horse. Let’s observe how the process unfolds. I am sure the IGP is handling it in the best interest of the nation.
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Do you agree with Mr President that the increment in law enforcement manpower will help strengthen security and improve peace?
Absolutely! When you declare a security emergency, it means security becomes top priority. All efforts are then channeled towards addressing the challenges. Recruiting more boots on ground is only one line of efforts among many others the president is undertaking. It is a very important step.
The president has also directed the withdrawal of police officers from VIP security duties, and that gap must be filled. Today, I want to tell you that the private security industry has come of age. There is no reason we cannot step into some of the roles the police have traditionally carried out.
In light of the withdrawal of police from VIPs, what efforts are private guards making to become part of the government’s transition plan?
First, the NSCDC and the police are two different agencies. Applications for the new arrangements are already going to NSCDC, which is our regulatory body.
I can assure you that a lot is being done to ensure a seamless transition as police officers return to their core duty of enforcing the law.
Given the rising level of insecurity and the type of weapons criminals now use, are private security guards licensed to carry firearms for politicians to trust them?
No. By law, private security guards in Nigeria cannot carry arms, and we have never insisted that we must carry arms. Some countries, like Dubai or South Africa allow armed private guards, but they do not face the kind of asymmetric threats we have here. Considering the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria, I do not think the country is ripe for armed private security.
First, we must strengthen integration with the NSCDC and raise training to the required standard. Perhaps in the future, and at the appropriate time, a policy shift may happen. But not now.
In addition, it is a process already in motion. We have visited Kenya, Gambia and South Africa to study their systems. But because of our unique security challenges, everything must be done in close collaboration with NSCDC, our regulator, and the Ministry of Interior.
A joint committee is already working, and after their recommendations, a pilot scheme may eventually emerge. For now, no private guard is allowed to bear arms, but in the coming days, you will see a new wave in the private security architecture of Nigeria.