Anambra NSCDC Pushes Back Against ‘Mandate Encroachment’, Warns Contractors Over Fibre-Optic Damage
In a climate where overlapping security directives can blur accountability, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra has drawn a firm line, insisting that mandate confusion must not weaken national security or lawful regulation.
The Anambra State Command of the NSCDC has condemned what it described as encroachment on its statutory responsibilities, warning against any attempts by state apparatus to usurp its core mandate over private security firms and mining site enforcement.
State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, made the position clear on Monday in Awka while receiving the pioneer Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the state, Mr Ofen-Imu Atiba Sunday.
He faulted recent social media reports suggesting that Private Guard Companies (PGCs) had been directed by a state security office to register with Agunechemba, describing the move as misleading and contrary to the law.
Olatunde stressed that the registration, licensing, training, monitoring and regulation of PGCs fall exclusively under the NSCDC, as provided by the NSCDC Act 2003 (as amended).
He warned that no agency, including the Agunechemba State Security Squad, has the legal authority to compel private security outfits to re-register with them, noting that any such move undermines the existing legal framework for PGC operations.
The Command also raised concerns over the shutdown of mining sites by some agencies in the state, reiterating that, under its Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the NSCDC is responsible for operational surveillance and enforcement at mining locations.
The Corps said the move is crucial to curbing illegal mining, economic sabotage and practices that threaten national, state and local economies.
Prospective miners were warned to halt operations until they are fully registered and licensed.
In a related warning, the NSCDC cautioned road construction companies and contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables and other Critical National Assets during excavation works.
The Command said such actions violate the directive of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the protection of telecommunication facilities, adding that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted under extant laws.
The Corps also pledged continued support for Anambra State’s revived anti-sit-at-home and confidence-building operations on Mondays, aimed at protecting banks, markets, parks and other critical infrastructure across the state.
Residents were urged to report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism to the nearest NSCDC formation.
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