The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 39 suspects during a crackdown on an illegal organisation allegedly operating as a private security company in Akwa Ibom State.
The organisation, identified as Uniquely Network Rescue Services, was allegedly engaged in unauthorised paramilitary-style training and the recruitment of young people without the approval required by law.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Geraldine Abetianbe, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Uyo on Tuesday.
She said operatives of the command acted on credible intelligence and raided the group’s training facility on May 29, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
According to her, the operation also led to the arrest of the Uyo coordinator of the organisation, while items including wooden guns, uniforms, training manuals, and membership forms were recovered from the facility.
Abetianbe said 17 members of the group and 22 newly recruited persons were apprehended during the raid.
She noted that all the suspects were undergoing profiling and investigation to determine the actual motive behind the group’s activities.
Preliminary findings, she added, showed that the group was operating without a Private Guard Company licence as required under the NSCDC Act 2003 (as amended).
Further investigations also indicated that the organisation’s headquarters is located outside Akwa Ibom State.
The Commandant expressed concern over the use of wooden guns and other forms of rigorous training, warning that such activities could be a cover for the formation of militia groups.
She said, “The 2027 general elections are approaching, and we cannot afford to have a group recruiting young Nigerians and subjecting them to rigorous training with wooden guns and horsewhips.
“They are not registered or licensed, and this raises suspicion as to the purpose of such paramilitary-style training.”
Abetianbe stressed that the corps would not tolerate any organisation operating outside the law, adding that proactive measures were being taken to prevent threats to public safety and security in the state.
She reminded members of the public that the NSCDC remains the only agency empowered by law to license, regulate, and monitor private guard companies in Nigeria.
The Commandant also advised parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure that their children do not fall victim to groups with questionable motives.
She assured that all those found culpable would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining security across Akwa Ibom State.