The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, CC E.A. Ajayi, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at about 12:00 hours, convened a strategic meeting with the Command’s top management staff, Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Heads of Formations, and Tactical Commanders at the Conference Hall of the State Command Headquarters, Sokoto.

Addressing the senior officers, CC E.A. Ajayi briefed them on the outcome of the recent strategic meeting convened by the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, which brought together principal officers of the Corps, including Deputy Commandants-General, Assistant Commandants-General, and State Commandants nationwide.

The Commandant-General, in his address, highlighted the 2025 security assessment, noting evolving and complex security challenges across the country, including increased incidents of banditry, kidnapping, vandalism, and other criminal activities. He emphasized the need for the Corps to remain proactive, pragmatic, and resolute in confronting criminality in line with its statutory mandate.

He further noted that the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) mandate has firmly positioned the NSCDC within the national security operational framework, describing the Corps as a strategic pillar in Nigeria’s security architecture. Personnel were charged to renew their commitment to the Corps’ mandate and justify the confidence reposed in it by the Federal Government.

On discipline and professionalism, the Commandant-General issued a stern warning against the indiscriminate and unauthorized use of social media by personnel, describing such conduct as unbecoming of public officers. He stated that violations would attract disciplinary action, adding that some senior officers already implicated would be sanctioned to reinforce discipline at all levels.

Regarding operational deployment, he acknowledged the challenge of limited manpower for VIP protection but assured that the Corps has the capacity to meet its responsibilities. Consequently, all State Commandants were directed to withdraw personnel from duties outside the NSCDC’s statutory mandate to strengthen core operational functions.

On personnel development, the Commandant-General announced plans to recruit about 100,000 personnel to boost VIP protection nationwide—90,000 from Levels 3–6 and 10,000 from Level 7 and above. He explained that the current structure is top-heavy, with more senior officers than junior operatives, and that the recruitment aims to correct this imbalance.

Ahead of the Yuletide season, the Commandant-General directed all State Commands to intensify security operations while maintaining professionalism. He cautioned against indiscriminate arrests of scrap dealers, stressing that enforcement must be intelligence-driven, lawful, and meticulous.

He also warned against the growing trend of personnel absconding from duty to travel abroad, popularly referred to as “Jakpa.” Any Commandant found shielding or covering up such misconduct, he said, would face disciplinary action in line with the rules of the Corps.

In his concluding remarks, CC E.A. Ajayi charged officers of the Sokoto State Command to remain steadfast in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, and strengthening synergy with other security agencies through effective collaboration, cooperation, and coordination. He urged personnel to remain resolute and proactive before, during, and after the festive period to ensure sustained peace and security across the state.