The Commandant – General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, today, on Saturday, called on the National Assembly to grant full constitutional recognition to the corps in line with its original mandate of securing lives and property, emphatically, the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure.

The Commandant General made the call while presenting a position paper to the House of Representatives’ ( HOR ) National Constitution Review Committee Summit, held in Ikeja, Lagos, today.

The Commandant General stated, with emphasis that the Corps has over the years remained, unrepentantly, unflinching in ensuring it carries out its numerous statutory mandates and adhoc responsibilities such as but not limited to the followings ; Critical National Assets and Infrastructure; regulating private security practice; providing Public Security Education; engaging in conflict resolution for willing parties; securing agro-allied activities/investments, respectively.

Therefore, the Commandant General opined that it was necessary, apt and altruistic for the National Assembly, to spell out a Section of the Constitution that will clearly state the statutory roles of the Corps highlighted above.

At the National Assembly Zonal Public Hearing of the National Constitution Review Committee Summit of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo Zones, held today, in Ikeja, Lagos, the Commandant General was represented, by Assistant Commandant General David Ojelabi, ACG Operations, National Head Quarters, Abuja, who traced the origin of the corps to the Nigerian Civil War era when it emerged as a voluntary quasi – military organisation to assist the civil populace by providing security education, rescuing the vulnerable, digging trenches and safeguarding critical national assets while the battle lasted.

The Commandant General seized, the very great opportunity provided, by the summit, to appreciate the National Assembly. He stated that the fortune and history of the Corps has witnessed a significant growth since the passing of an Act of Parliament in 2003, establishing the Corps has a full – fledged federal security outfit, adding that more responsibilities were also assigned by various national policies, including the National Security Strategy (NSS) of 2019 and the National Protection Policy and Strategy for Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (NPPS-CNAI) of 2024 recently signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The NSCDC boss, however, lamented that Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution which states that there shall be only one police force in the country has been misinterpreted over the years, leading to an unhealthy relationship, unholy and needless rivalry between the Corps and the Police Force.

The NSCDC boss told the House of Representatives Committee led by Rt Honourable Ibrahim Isiaka, who chaired the Zonal Public Hearing – Lagos Centre that over the years the Corps had made giant strides like securing the conviction of thousands of criminals, including vandals; recommending licences for Private Guard Companies (PGCs) after due monitoring, training and inspections; resolving over 120,000 conflicts that could have led to further awaiting trial induced-congestions; destroying hundreds of illegal refineries and mining sites as well as prosecuting the operators; and performing rescue operations during national emergencies; participate in various joint operations particularly with the military.

Stakeholders worthy of high reputation, in the society, from across various divides such as ; Dr Adewale Abolurin, psc ( + ), OFR, Professor Adedeji Oyenuga, Professor Adekunle Adeogun, Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University, Ijebu – Ode, Barrister Adebayo Akinade
Deputy President / Chief Executive
Institute of Security, University of Lagos, Captains of Industries, Human Right Activists, Traditional Rulers, Student Bodies, Clerics just to mention a few, also fully expended their physical, precious and immense presence, intellect and submitted position papers, to support the inclusion of the NSCDC into the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended.

Other senior officers of the service present at the NASS’ Constitution Review Zonal Public Hearing – Lagos Centre today, Saturday, include ; the Zonal Commander, Zone 1, ACG Akibo Olusola, fsi, Lagos State Command team, Ogun and Oyo State Commandants, of Corps Ekundayo Remilekun and Augustine Padonu respectively, amidst many others.

The germaine reasons of these astute policy shapers, opinion leaders and relevant stakeholders are not far fetched from the fact if the above prayer is graciously passed, for the Corps, it will further aid the followings for the NSCDC; give clearly outlined mandate of the NSCDC’s responsibilities, ensuring they operate within defined boundaries. It will also enhance its legitimacy, which will guarantee it the enablement, to effectively carry out its duties without ambiguity.

Amongst other things it will help to re – inforce the NSCDC’s role in maintaining national security national security, allowing the Corps to effectively address internal security threats and protect the nation’s interest, with astute focus in vigorously, pursuing it’s statutory mandates and functions .