Pix: Commandant Bodinga

Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Since assuming duty as the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, about a month ago, Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga has embarked on a deliberate mission to revigorate and reposition the command for greater operational efficiency and improved security delivery across the state. His arrival in mid-September 2025 signaled a new era of commitment, discipline, and action, with a clear focus on enhancing the protection of critical national assets and strengthening the security architecture of Kano State.

Barely days after assuming office, the Commandant issued a directive for intensified twenty-four-hour patrols and surveillance across strategic installations, including power substations, telecommunication infrastructure, and other vital facilities. The order, which took immediate effect, underscored his zero-tolerance stance toward vandalism, sabotage, and theft. His objective, he said, is to build a resilient command that anticipates and prevents security threats rather than reacting to them.

Commandant Bodinga’s leadership philosophy is anchored on a dual approach: revitalizing operational activities while simultaneously restructuring administrative systems. Under his guidance, the command has redefined its priorities to ensure effective logistics, prompt deployment of personnel, and a culture of accountability among officers. This holistic method seeks not only to improve field operations but also to sustain long-term institutional efficiency within the corps.

Having served in various capacities before his posting to Kano, including as State Commandant in Jigawa and head of several critical units, Bodinga brought to Kano a wealth of experience and tactical insight. His background in anti-vandalism operations and critical infrastructure protection has provided him with the strategic know-how to address the evolving security challenges unique to an industrial and commercial hub like Kano.

Within his first month in office, several operations have been successfully conducted, reaffirming the renewed vigor of the command. One notable instance was the arrest and subsequent handover of a suspected marijuana dealer to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), showcasing the corps’ readiness to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in combating criminal activities. This action not only demonstrated operational efficiency but also reflected the new command’s emphasis on synergy and inter-agency cooperation.

Another pillar of Bodinga’s reform effort has been manpower development. He has prioritized continuous training and retraining of personnel, focusing on tactical readiness, firearms discipline, and intelligence-driven policing. Regular refresher drills and in-service training sessions are now routine in Kano NSCDC, ensuring that officers on duty are not only well-trained but also mentally and physically prepared for complex security scenarios.

Equally, he has restructured the logistics and maintenance departments to guarantee that vehicles, communications equipment, and protective gear remain serviceable and mission-ready at all times. This step addresses long-standing challenges of operational downtime and strengthens the command’s rapid-response capability across the twenty local government areas of Kano State.

Community engagement has also taken center stage in Bodinga’s vision for a safer Kano. He believes that security is a shared responsibility, and as such, the command has begun encouraging public participation through information sharing, hotlines, and local intelligence networks. This approach, he notes, will help bridge the gap between citizens and security agencies, fostering mutual trust and collaboration.

To deepen inter-agency coordination, the Commandant has strengthened partnerships with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, NDLEA, and other security stakeholders. Joint operations and intelligence-sharing meetings are now being held more frequently to ensure prompt response to potential threats and to harmonize security strategies across the state.

In addition to operational improvements, Commandant Bodinga has also prioritized staff welfare and motivation, recognizing that the morale of officers directly influences performance. Measures such as fair duty rotation, prompt allowances, and an open-door leadership style have helped boost the confidence of personnel under his command, creating a sense of purpose and belonging within the corps.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the measures introduced in the last one month are already yielding positive results. Reports from various divisional offices suggest reduced incidents of vandalism and a marked improvement in response time to distress calls. Public confidence in the NSCDC has also grown, with more citizens voluntarily cooperating with officers during patrols and community engagements.

Looking ahead, Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga envisions a more technology-driven command, capable of real-time surveillance and data-based decision-making. He plans to sustain the momentum by institutionalizing regular training schedules, improving inter-agency communication channels, and expanding public enlightenment campaigns against vandalism and sabotage. His goal is clear: to make Kano NSCDC a model of excellence and reliability in public protection and critical asset security.

In just a month, his pragmatic leadership has breathed new life into the command, proving that focused vision, discipline, and commitment can indeed transform an institution. For the people of Kano, the message is clear a safer, more secure environment is no longer a promise, but a work already in progress under the stewardship of Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga.