Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, has arrested 39 suspects and sealed an illegal private security outfit operating under the name Uniquely Network Rescue Services. The organisation, which had no licence to operate as a Private Guard Company (PGC), was caught conducting unauthorised paramilitary‑style training and recruiting unsuspecting youths under false pretences, the state commandant, Mrs Geraldine Abetianbe, disclosed at a press briefing in Uyo on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the NSCDC raided the group’s training facility on 29 May 2026, leading to the arrest of 17 members of the group and 22 new intakes who were undergoing training at the time. The raid also led to the arrest of the group’s Uyo Coordinator. Items recovered during the operation included wooden guns, uniforms, training manuals and membership forms. Abetianbe stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the group operated without the mandatory PGC licence required under the NSCDC Act 2003, as amended, and that the organisation has its headquarters outside Akwa Ibom State.
“During the raid, a total of 17 members of the group and 22 new intakes were arrested. They are currently undergoing intensive profiling to ascertain the real motive of the group as the command is taking proactive steps to curtail all subversive intentions and acts,” Abetianbe said. She warned that the use of wooden guns for training was a “big red flag” and could be a smokescreen for training militia groups. “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, using horsewhips and so on. They are not registered or licensed, and this raises suspicion as to what end they are subjecting young Nigerians to paramilitary‑style training.”
The commandant reminded the public that the NSCDC remains the only agency statutorily empowered to license, regulate and monitor Private Guard Companies in Nigeria. She urged parents to be mindful of the groups their children subscribe to, to avoid being deceived into joining a militia group with nefarious motives. Abetianbe also noted that all culpable suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations and profiling were concluded.
The arrest of 39 suspects in a single operation marks one of the largest clampdowns on illegal private security outfits in the state and underscores the growing concern over the proliferation of unauthorised groups that could be exploited for political violence or militia activities. As the 2027 elections draw closer, security agencies are increasing efforts to identify and dismantle any organisation that may pose a threat to public peace, particularly those operating under the guise of private security.
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