The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has trained more than 80 personnel of licensed Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in Edo State on cybersecurity, human relations and self defence to strengthen their capacity to respond to emerging security threats.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the two day workshop was organised by the Private Guard Companies Department of the NSCDC Edo State Command at the command headquarters in Benin.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, said the training became necessary because of the evolving security landscape and the growing role of private security personnel in protecting lives and property.
He noted that private guards form an important part of Nigeria’s internal security architecture by providing security services in banks, schools, hospitals, industries, places of worship, residential estates and other critical facilities.
“The role of private guard companies in our internal security architecture can no longer be overemphasised. In Edo, you protect our banks, schools, hospitals, industries, places of worship and homes. You are often the first to notice danger and the first to respond,” he said.
Akintayo stressed that the responsibilities of private security personnel require continuous capacity building.
“A 21st century security guard must be more than physically strong. He must be intelligent, disciplined, technologically compliant and people friendly,” he added.
He explained that the workshop focused on three critical areas, human relations, self defence and cybersecurity, to equip participants with practical skills needed to address contemporary security challenges.
The commandant urged participants to regard the training as an investment in their professional development and to share the knowledge gained with colleagues in their respective organisations.
He also advised operators of licensed private guard companies to prioritise discipline, regular training and the welfare of their personnel.
Delivering a lecture on cybersecurity, the resource person and Head of the Agro Rangers Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Nelson Adetan, said private security personnel could no longer ignore cyber threats because many organisations now rely on electronic access control systems, CCTV surveillance, biometric devices and digital communication platforms.
He warned participants against phishing, identity theft, ransomware attacks, social engineering and unauthorised access to sensitive information.
Adetan urged them to adopt safe online practices, protect confidential information, use strong passwords and promptly report suspicious digital activities capable of compromising organisational security.
Also speaking, the Head of Training and Staff Development, Deputy Commandant of Corps Tijani Mohammed, emphasised professionalism, discipline and sound judgment during a lecture on marksmanship.
He educated participants on weapon safety, target identification, accuracy and the need to strictly comply with rules governing the use of force.
Earlier, the Head of the Private Guard Companies Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kareem Luckman, commended participants for their commitment throughout the workshop.
He urged licensed private security firms to replicate the training for other personnel and reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement through regular training, monitoring and enforcement of operational standards.
Luckman said the initiative would help promote a professional, accountable and technologically compliant private security industry.
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