In a coordinated security operation, the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) apprehended five suspected illegal security operatives on October 3, 2024, following intelligence that they had set up an unauthorised roadblock in the Nteje community of Oyi Local Government Area. (dailypost.ng)
The suspects, identified by the NSCDC as Ekene Erigaka (27) from Imo State; Emeka Eze (28) from Oraukwu, Anambra; Prosper Ugoma (20) from Okohia, Ihiala; Obiuto Eze (42) from Isialangwa South, Abia; and Victor Nnadi (34) from Uli, Ihiala LGA, were allegedly wearing black T-shirts marked “AVG Special Squad” and using pump‐action guns to extort motorists along the road. (dailypost.ng)
During the arrest, NSCDC operatives recovered three pump-action firearms believed to have been used at the illegal checkpoint. The state commandant, Mr Olatunde Maku, said the illicit roadblock threatened public safety and facilitated robberies, extortion, abductions and targeted robberies. (The Guardian Nigeria)
“Preliminary investigation reveals that this kind of illegal checkpoint can facilitate robberies, extortions, abductions and the targeted killings of civilians and state actors.” — Commandant Olatunde Maku (dailypost.ng)
Operation & Response
According to the NSCDC, the operation was carried out in partnership with the local vigilante group in Nteje and the Corps’ Private Guard Company Department. The swift response followed credible intelligence of the illegal security setup. (Punch Nigeria)
The corps reiterated its regulatory mandate, emphasising that unlicensed private security outfits and impersonators will be systematically pursued, their weapons seized, and suspects prosecuted. Licensed companies have been warned to operate within the law, while the public has been urged to report any suspicious activities to the NSCDC. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)
Significance & Implications
The arrest underscores the rising problem of illegal private security outfits and impersonators in Anambra, which pose risks to civilian safety and undermine authorized security infrastructure.
The recovery of firearms raises serious concerns about the potential for violent crime emerging from such roadblocks and extortion schemes.
For the public, the takeaway is a reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of validating security credentials of guards or outfits engaged for protection services.
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