By Gilbert Ekugbe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, has graduated 260 private security operatives from 40 companies following a five-day refresher training programme in Abuja.
The training, which focused on modern security management, was held from August 10 to 14 at the newly inaugurated FCT Command Training Ground.
Speaking at the passing-out parade on Friday, FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said the programme was designed to equip private security personnel with skills needed to operate effectively in an increasingly complex and technology-driven security environment.
“Today, private security operatives must be able to identify threats, observe suspicious behaviour, manage access, communicate effectively, respond to emergencies, protect critical facilities, preserve information and work collaboratively with relevant security agencies,” Odumosu said.
He noted that criminal elements were constantly adopting new methods and exploiting vulnerabilities in communities, businesses and public institutions.
According to him, private security operatives are strategic partners and often serve as the first line of early warning in many environments.
Odumosu urged the graduates to remain vigilant, stressing that their professional judgment could either strengthen or undermine the security architecture of the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the strategic importance of the FCT required close cooperation among government security agencies and private security companies because the territory hosts critical national assets, diplomatic missions and other strategic installations.
The commandant also called for stronger public-private security partnerships, noting that the protection of critical infrastructure could not rest solely on government security agencies.
He further urged private security companies to prioritise the welfare, equipment, working conditions and continuous training of their personnel.
“A company cannot demand professionalism from its guards while neglecting their welfare, equipment, working conditions and continuous training. Professional security requires professional treatment of security personnel,” he said.
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, FCT Zone, Chief Lucky Ojealaro, commended the NSCDC for promoting standardisation and global best practices in the private security sector.
“Your commitment to professionalism, discipline, and collaboration with the private security sector has once again been demonstrated through these training and capacity building programmes,” Ojealaro said.
He described the NSCDC as a “big brother” to the association and expressed optimism that the updated training curriculum would have a significant impact on security operations across the FCT.
Ojealaro congratulated the graduates and urged them to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme in their various places of work.
He said doing so would help justify the investment in their capacity development and contribute to building a safer society.
