The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), promote women’s participation in peacebuilding and strengthen digital safety awareness through the implementation of its Gender Policy II.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, disclosed this at a two-day capacity-building training on Gender, Women, Peace and Security organised at the NSCDC College and Support Staff Service, Udege, Nasarawa State.
The training was organised in collaboration with Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), with support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Audi, who delivered his keynote address through a representative, said the Gender Policy II provides a framework for integrating gender considerations into the Corps’ operations, personnel management, leadership structures and community engagement.
He emphasised the need for effective prevention and response mechanisms to sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related abuses and technology-facilitated violence.
The Commandant-General also advocated greater participation of women in peacebuilding and security decision-making, equal opportunities within the Corps and stronger partnerships with traditional institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.
He urged commands and personnel, particularly Gender Desk Officers, to ensure effective coordination, timely reporting, appropriate referrals, monitoring and accountability in handling gender-related cases.
Audi described the implementation of the policy as a collective responsibility requiring sustained commitment across all levels of the Corps.
In a goodwill message, the Osu Ajiri of Edege Chiefdom, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Eko IV, commended the NSCDC for its presence in the community, noting that its operations had enhanced residents’ sense of security, particularly among farmers.
The traditional ruler pledged the support of his council in tackling gender-based violence, stressing that community protection remained a priority.
Earlier, the Commander of the College, ACG Jamilu Indabawa, said collaboration among relevant stakeholders was essential to achieving effective implementation of the Corps’ gender policy.
Similarly, the Gender Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion Lead of SPRING, Mrs Amina Akano-Bello, said the training was designed to build peaceful and resilient communities through early identification and response to gender-based violence, while promoting the inclusion of women and young people in leadership.
The NSCDC National Headquarters Gender Unit Adviser, DCC Ajet Kemi, educated participants on the different forms of sexual and gender-based violence, their societal implications and preventive measures.
A retired Assistant Commandant-General, Ahmed Abodurin, who facilitated a session on institutional ethics in gender policy implementation, underscored the importance of professionalism, accountability, gender sensitivity and compliance with institutional standards.
As part of the initiative, the Corps also partnered with TechHer, an organisation promoting women’s advancement through technology, to extend digital safety awareness to schools in Udege.
The school outreach, themed “Stop Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence,” sensitised students on the dangers of digital abuse, responsible online behaviour and practical measures for protecting themselves in digital spaces.
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Interior, Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice and Gammuo International also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality, peace and security.
