The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has emphasized the need for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement in strengthening Civil Defence and enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts.
Speaking on Monday at the 2025 International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) Day, commemorated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Minister underscored the increasing frequency and severity of security threats worldwide. He highlighted the crucial role of civil defence in protecting lives, promoting sustainable development, and securing critical national infrastructure.
Represented at the NSCDC National Headquarters by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, the Minister called for greater investment in prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms to build resilient communities capable of withstanding evolving security challenges.
In alignment with the Minister’s address, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, reaffirmed the need for inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement in ensuring national security. Speaking on the ICDO 2025 theme: “Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population,” Dr. Audi stressed the Corps’ commitment to strengthening physical security measures, protecting critical infrastructure, and raising public awareness to enhance national safety.
He highlighted key NSCDC achievements, including the establishment of specialized units such as:
- Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) – which has arrested over 500 suspects and dismantled more than 350 illegal refineries.
- Special Female Squad – which has successfully foiled over 48 kidnapping attempts in schools.
- Mining Marshal – which has closed down more than 170 illegal mining sites nationwide.
Dr. Audi further assured that the NSCDC remains dedicated to improving personnel welfare, demonstrating this commitment by presenting insurance benefits totaling over ₦188 million to the next of kin of 20 deceased officers.
In his welcome address, DCG Zakari Ningi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, noted that ICDO Day, observed globally on March 1st, serves to raise awareness about the vital role of Civil Defence organizations in disaster response and crisis management. He emphasized NSCDC’s strategic functions, including the protection of critical national assets, intelligence gathering, crisis management, and the regulation of private security firms.
The event featured goodwill messages from top security officials, including representatives of:
- The Chief of Army Staff, Major General J.O. Attah
- The Inspector General of Police, DIG Frank Mbah, mni
- The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, DCGI Ada James Umanah
The ICDO 2025 commemoration, held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on March 3rd (instead of March 1st, which fell on a weekend), featured parades and simulation exercises showcasing the Corps’ core mandates.
The event reaffirmed the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to national security, disaster response, and community safety, with a renewed call for stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding the nation against emerging threats.
