In a decisive move to evaluate its operational performance for 2025, address emerging challenges, and outline strategies for improved efficiency in the coming year, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has held its final quarterly high command meeting at the Dr. John Ade Abolurin Auditorium, National Headquarters, Abuja.

Presiding over the meeting, which brought together Deputy Commandants General (DCGs), Assistant Commandants General (ACGs), State Commandants, and Heads of Operations nationwide, the Commandant General (CG), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, underscored the importance of reviewing the Corps’ activities in line with its core mandate. While commending officers and men for their dedication, he stressed the need for consistent improvements to enhance effectiveness.

Professor Audi noted that, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the NSCDC bears a significant responsibility to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure, and to help tackle the security challenges confronting the country.

Highlighting the threats posed by banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, and communal-related attacks, the Commandant General directed all personnel to intensify efforts toward curbing these issues. As part of the Corps’ ongoing anti-vandalism operations aimed at preventing economic losses and supporting the national target of three million barrels of oil production per day, the CG disclosed that 1,872 vandalisation points have been identified nationwide, with surveillance already deployed. Of this number, 1,271 sites are located in the Niger Delta, where the Corps is working relentlessly to end acts of sabotage.

On the fight against illegal mining, Professor Audi revealed that more than 640 illegal mining sites have been shut down across the country. He assured that the Mining Marshals will continue their enforcement drive until the sector is fully sanitized. He further charged all formations to step up their operational activities, noting that enhanced monitoring mechanisms are now in place to ensure compliance with the Corps’ mandate.

Expressing concern over rising school abductions, the CG urged stakeholders to continue partnering with the NSCDC by making use of the platforms designed for safer schools, while ensuring strong collaboration with State Commands and the Federal Capital Territory.

Reiterating the Corps’ commitment to protecting Very Important Persons and executing its national assignments diligently, Professor Audi expressed confidence that the ongoing recruitment exercise will further strengthen manpower for more effective service delivery.

In a demonstration of its dedication to personnel welfare, cheques valued at ₦464 million were presented to 125 beneficiaries during the meeting. These included Group Life Insurance, Group Personnel Accident, and Burial Benefits paid to the next of kin of deceased personnel and those injured in active service.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Administration, DCG Adeyinka Fasiu Ayinla, announced that the Corps has significantly improved its visibility nationwide. He added that strategic reforms in capacity building and operational readiness have led to remarkable achievements throughout the year.

---