The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi, has unveiled a comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening national security, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing professionalism within the Corps.
Audi disclosed the plan during a high-level meeting with commanding officers from state formations nationwide, describing the gathering as both “historic and strategic,” marking the commencement of the second phase of his leadership following his reappointment.
He expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving his reappointment, and to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his recommendation. According to him, the renewed mandate offers an opportunity to consolidate reforms and reposition the Corps for greater national relevance.
Reflecting on his previous tenure, the NSCDC boss highlighted key reforms implemented to address internal challenges, particularly staff stagnation, which had negatively impacted morale. He noted that longstanding promotion delays and salary arrears had been addressed, with ongoing efforts through a presidential committee to settle outstanding payments across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Audi emphasised capacity building as a cornerstone of the reform agenda, revealing that the Corps has developed a standardised training curriculum for its institutions. He described the initiative as critical to strengthening professionalism and operational discipline. Senior officers, he added, have also been sponsored to attend strategic leadership programmes, including courses at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
“Training remains central to discipline, professionalism and productivity,” he said, noting that the next phase of leadership would prioritise retraining and ethical reorientation of personnel.
Highlighting operational gains, Audi said the Corps has recorded significant successes in combating oil theft and illegal mining. He disclosed that the NSCDC’s Special Intelligence Squad has dismantled over 400 illegal refineries, arrested and prosecuted more than 1,000 suspects, and secured between 400 and 500 convictions.
Similarly, the Mining Marshals initiative has shut down over 1,000 illegal mining sites nationwide and facilitated the arrest and prosecution of several offenders, including foreign nationals.
He attributed these achievements to strengthened collaboration with security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, as well as partnerships with private sector stakeholders.
The Corps has also expanded its operational infrastructure, constructing new command facilities and deploying modern surveillance and communication equipment across formations. Audi further disclosed plans to establish a hydrocarbon and maritime surveillance centre in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, alongside an ICT centre nearing completion.
As part of the new strategy, the NSCDC will increasingly deploy advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and drone surveillance, to enhance monitoring and protection of critical national assets.
Key priorities outlined for the next five years include strengthening internal discipline, expanding training programmes, deploying modern surveillance systems, and improving the protection of critical infrastructure. The Corps also plans to establish specialised units to safeguard power infrastructure and combat vandalism in the electricity sector.
Audi reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline and misconduct, warning that violations of the Corps’ code of conduct would attract strict sanctions.
“We must restore professionalism and discipline. Any conduct outside our code will not be tolerated,” he said.
He urged officers to remain steadfast in their mandate to protect critical national infrastructure and to deepen intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
“We must prove that we are ready to serve the nation with loyalty, commitment and professionalism,” he added.
