Pix: (M) Commandant Elijah Etim Willie, flanked by former acting Commandant General of the NSCDC, Hilary Kelechi Madu, who presented Commandant Elijah with the award (R), and another guest, O. C Sam Ede (L)

Commandant (Dr) Elijah Etim Willie, State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Enugu State Command, was formally honoured by the People’s Security Monitor PSM at the 2025 Annual People’s Security Monitor National Security Summit, held on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.

The prestigious summit brought together senior security chiefs, policymakers, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, and key stakeholders from across the country to celebrate outstanding leadership and impactful contributions to Nigeria’s internal security architecture. Commandant Willie’s recognition stood out as a highlight of the event, drawing applause from participants who acknowledged his consistent record of service and operational excellence.

During the award presentation, PSM cited Commandant Willie’s exemplary leadership across the Niger, Ebonyi, and Enugu State Commands of the NSCDC, noting that his tenure recorded significant reductions in farmer herder conflicts and rural banditry. His proactive approach to intelligence led operations and his emphasis on inter agency collaboration were described as pivotal to stabilising volatile communities and strengthening public safety.

Since assuming command in Enugu State, the organisers noted, Willie has driven remarkable reforms including enhanced urban surveillance, strengthened school safety patrols, and the strategic expansion of the Anti Vandal Unit. These interventions have led to the interception of several cases of petroleum product diversion and cable theft, reinforcing the protection of critical national assets and public infrastructure.

Presenting the award, the People’s Security Monitor announced Commandant Willie as the Recipient of the 2025 Award for Excellence in Public Safety and Community Protection, describing the honour as recognition of his discipline driven leadership style, accessibility, and unwavering professional integrity. The organisers emphasised that his approach has earned him widespread respect among traditional institutions, state authorities, and residents of Enugu State.

The honour, PSM stated, celebrates not only Commandant Willie’s past achievements but also his enduring legacy within the NSCDC as a reform minded and people focused security leader. The recognition at the summit was received as a testament to his continued contributions to peace, security, and national development, and as an inspiration to serving and future leaders within Nigeria’s security sector.