The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant in Jigawa State, Bala Bawa Bodinga, has marked his first 100 days in office, rolling out a catalogue of achievements that underline his determination to reposition the Corps in the state for effective service delivery.

Bodinga, who assumed office on May 12, 2025, said his stewardship so far has been guided by the vision of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to ensure professionalism, accountability, and robust security presence across Nigeria.

Speaking at a modest ceremony held at the state command headquarters in Dutse, the Jigawa NSCDC boss highlighted strategic milestones recorded within the 100-day period. He disclosed that under his watch, the Command successfully foiled over 23 cases of vandalism of critical national assets, including electricity installations and petroleum pipelines in Birnin Kudu, Ringim, and Kazaure local government areas. In collaboration with sister security agencies, the Corps also arrested 41 suspected vandals and bandits’ informants, out of which 28 have already been charged to court.

According to him, the Anti-Vandal Squad was restructured and re-equipped, leading to the recovery of stolen petroleum products worth an estimated ₦120 million, while 11 trucks used in illegal activities were impounded. He also introduced a community engagement framework that has seen the Corps hold 36 town hall meetings across Jigawa’s 27 local government areas. This initiative, he said, has enhanced intelligence gathering and improved trust between the NSCDC and local communities.

Bodinga noted that the Disaster Management Department of the NSCDC responded to 19 fire incidents and seven flood-related emergencies across the state, rescuing more than 50 persons and assisting in the recovery of properties estimated at ₦210 million. On staff welfare, he revealed that the Command facilitated the training of 250 officers and men in modern security techniques, including digital surveillance, cybercrime detection, and counter-terrorism operations. He added that he has overseen improved staff accommodation at the command headquarters and ensured prompt payment of allowances for officers on special assignments.

He explained that with Jigawa increasingly becoming a hub for artisanal mining, the NSCDC established a Special Mining Taskforce which carried out 17 operations against illegal miners in the past 100 days. These efforts, he stated, led to the arrest of 29 illegal operators and the sealing of seven unlicensed mining sites in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.

Bodinga stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting that the NSCDC in Jigawa has entered into strategic partnerships with the police, DSS, and local vigilante groups to boost surveillance and response capacity. He also acknowledged the support of the state government under Governor Umar Namadi for logistics, operational vehicles, and funding.

While reeling out his achievements, Commandant Bodinga cautioned that the task ahead remains enormous. He pledged to consolidate on the gains recorded by intensifying intelligence-driven operations, deepening community relations, and ensuring strict discipline among officers.

“Our mandate is clear: to safeguard critical national assets, protect lives and property, and ensure that Jigawa remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. In just 100 days, we have laid a strong foundation, but we are only getting started,” Bodinga said.

Observers note that Jigawa State has witnessed relatively low levels of banditry compared to neighboring states, a trend analysts attribute partly to proactive security measures and inter-agency synergy. With his first 100 days successfully marked by verifiable gains, Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga appears set on charting a path of professionalism, accountability, and service delivery that resonates with the larger security vision of the NSCDC.

---