The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to significantly upscale intelligence gathering and proactive security operations as part of efforts to curb rising insecurity across the country.
The directive was given by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the decoration ceremony of 113 newly promoted Commandants of the Corps held in Abuja. The Minister, represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd), commended the NSCDC for its role in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as protecting lives and property nationwide.
He emphasized that intelligence-driven strategies are critical to confronting emerging security threats and strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. According to him, the Corps must evolve robust and prompt intelligence mechanisms to effectively address challenges to peace and national development.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also referenced the additional responsibility of providing protection for Very Important Personalities (VIPs), recently transferred from the Nigeria Police to the NSCDC, urging the newly promoted officers to justify the confidence reposed in the Corps by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister explained that the promotions, which were merit-based, were intended to boost morale and enhance operational efficiency, particularly following periods of stagnation within agencies under the Ministry of Interior. He further assured officers that the Board of Interior would support initiatives and requests that translate into improved performance and professionalism.
Earlier, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, charged the promoted officers to embrace their leadership roles and mentor junior personnel. He warned against lobbying for preferential postings, stressing that redeployment under his administration would be strictly guided by merit and performance.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted Commandants, Commandant Ekanem Ikponmwosa Ekpenyong pledged their unwavering commitment to duty, integrity and strict adherence to the Oath of Allegiance.
The ceremony attracted 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, underscoring inter-agency collaboration in addressing national security challenges.
