The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen its intelligence gathering and operational readiness amid evolving security challenges across the country.
The call was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at a ceremony to decorate 113 newly promoted NSCDC commandants. The minister, who was represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), commended the Corps for its contributions to the protection of critical national infrastructure, lives and property.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strategic intelligence mapping to effectively counter emerging threats, noting that the Corps has assumed additional responsibilities, including the protection of Very Important Personalities, a function previously handled by the Nigeria Police Force.
He charged the newly promoted officers and other personnel to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the merit-based promotions were intended to boost morale and enhance operational efficiency.
In his remarks, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, urged the officers to embrace leadership responsibilities, mentor junior personnel and uphold professionalism. He cautioned against lobbying for postings, reiterating that merit, performance and dedication would guide all administrative decisions.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ekpenyong pledged their commitment to duty, assuring that they would uphold integrity and the Corps’ Oath of Allegiance.
A highlight of the ceremony was the promotion of the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, to the rank of Assistant Commandant. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Controller General of Corrections, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service and representatives of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the Department of State Services.
The ceremony underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the NSCDC and reinforce its role within Nigeria’s security architecture.
