Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is to work in synergy with Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in intelligence gathering to safeguard the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Commandant of the FCT Command of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu made this known while charging the Divisional Officers of the Command to work in synergy with Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in intelligence gathering.
Odumosu, who addressed all Divisonal Officers and Area Commanders within the FCT Command, asked them to actively supervise, monitor and engage all PGCs within their jurisdictions in a robust synergy that will enhance timely intelligence gathering and sharing.
He noted that training of the operatives of PGCs is one of the responsibilities of NSCDC, stating that the Command is putting together a training on intelligence gathering for PGCs that will better equip them while carrying out their duty.
The Commandant said that although there is already an existing synergy between security agencies, the role of PGC in the security architecture should be paramount.
He said: “Just as the NSCDC have a comparative advantage in information gathering, so are private guards operatives because they are closer to the people at the grassroot.
“Their spread and constant interaction with the public while rendering services in protecting private and government facilities provides an advantage in knowing happenings within their territory.”
He however urged residents to say something to security agencies whenever they see anything that seem to be suspicious or could be of security concern.
Odumosu said: “In as much as we have our men stationed at nooks and crannies as well as on patrol, the Corps cannot cover the entire FCT.
“We need citizens to be our eyes and ears at places we are unable to reach as this will go a long way in ensuring that insecurity is curbed.”
He assured that any information received by the Corps will be treated in confidentiality and shared between the appropriate authorities for proactive actions.