Pix: NSCDC CG, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has called for increased funding,
enhanced operational capacity, strengthened inter-agency cooperation,
and improved personnel training to sustain the agency’s success in
promoting security in Nigeria.
Dr. Audi made this appeal while delivering a lecture titled “The Role
of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Promoting National
Security” at the Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, University of
Ibadan, on Friday.
The lecture, organized by the university’s Institute for Peace and
Strategic Studies (IPSS), was chaired by Prof. Fredrick Tyoor,
President of the International Academy for Gender and Peace and
Chairperson of the Gender and Studies Programme at the University of
Ibadan.
According to Dr. Audi, national security encompasses measures taken by
a state to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the
well-being of its citizens. He noted that the challenges confronting
Nigeria not only threaten its territorial integrity but also undermine
its economic and social stability.
He highlighted the NSCDC’s core functions, which include the
protection of critical national assets and infrastructure,
counter-terrorism efforts, disaster response and management, community
security, and conflict resolution.
However, he identified inadequate funding as a significant challenge
for the NSCDC, emphasizing that the Corps relies heavily on government
resources to execute its operations. Dr. Audi acknowledged the
financial constraints faced by the federal government, which limit its
ability to invest in critical infrastructure, modern equipment, and
personnel training. He called for support from private individuals and
organizations to help the agency overcome its financial challenges.
Dr. Audi also stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration,
advocating for the adoption of the “three Cs”cooperation,
coordination, and collaboration by all security agencies to ensure the
safety and security of Nigerians.
He recalled a recent incident in which four NSCDC officers were
killed, and one remains missing, following an attack by Boko Haram
insurgents during an inspection of national grid installations in
Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
“The assignment given to the Corps is a peculiar one. Protecting
critical assets is very challenging, but the losses we have incurred
will motivate us to do our best in providing security. The Corps
remains committed and dedicated to its mission,” Dr. Audi stated.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Ruth Adio-Moses, Director of the
Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan,
described the lecture’s theme as timely, given the complex security
dynamics and threats Nigeria faces, ranging from insurgency and
cybercrime to natural disasters and resource conflicts. She emphasized
the pivotal role of security agencies like the NSCDC in addressing
these challenges.
She further noted that the lecture provided an opportunity for the
public to gain insights into the Corps’ activities and critically
examine how it could enhance its mandate and align its strategies with
the nation’s evolving security needs.
Following the lecture, Dr. Audi was conferred with the title Fellow of
the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies by Prof. Peter Olapegba,
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who represented the
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the representative of
the Minister of Interior, Prof. Muktar Abdulkadri; the representative
of the Oyo State Governor, Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni; Prof. T.
Akanji; Dr. N.D. Danjibo; and Dr. I.O. Isola.
Security personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force,
Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service were
also present, alongside a large number of IPSS lecturers, students,
and NSCDC personnel.