Akwa Ibom NSCDC Arrests 39 in Militia Training Bust

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 39 people after cracking down on an illegal group posing as a private guard company in Akwa Ibom State.

Geraldine Abetianbe, the NSCDC Akwa Ibom Commandant, shared this news with reporters in Uyo on Tuesday.

She explained that the group, called Uniquely Network Rescue Services, was caught running unauthorized paramilitary training and tricking young people into joining.

Acting on intelligence, NSCDC operatives raided the group's training site on May 29 and arrested the suspects.

The commandant noted that the operation led to the arrest of the Uyo coordinator. They also recovered wooden guns, uniforms, training manuals, and membership forms.

"During the raid, we arrested 17 members of the group along with 22 new recruits. They are now being thoroughly checked to understand the real purpose of the group. We are taking steps to stop any harmful intentions or actions," she said.

She added that preliminary investigations showed the group was operating without a Private Guard Company licence, which is required by the NSCDC Act 2003. Further investigations revealed the group’s headquarters is located outside Akwa Ibom.

Abetianbe warned that using wooden guns for training is a serious concern. This could be a cover for training militia groups. She stressed that the command would not ignore the risk of militia formation in Akwa Ibom.

"With the 2027 general elections coming up, we cannot allow a group to recruit young Nigerians and subject them to harsh training with wooden guns and horsewhips. They are not registered or licensed, which raises serious questions about their activities," she said.

The corps firmly condemned the actions of this illegal group. "We will not allow any group to operate outside the law," she stated.

She reminded the public that the NSCDC is the only agency legally allowed to license, regulate, and monitor Private Guard Companies in Nigeria.

She urged parents to pay attention to the groups their children join to avoid them being lured into militia groups with bad intentions.

The commandant assured that all those involved would be taken to court once the investigations and profiling are complete.