In line with its mandate to protect critical national assets and maintain internal security, the Gwagwalada Central Division of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has recorded remarkable operational gains in the outgoing year. The division arrested 156 suspected illegal miners, apprehended 208 other suspects for various criminal offences, and successfully treated and resolved 146 cases, thereby enhancing peace, justice, and orderliness within the Gwagwalada Area Council.

Speaking at the division’s maiden end-of-year party and award ceremony held at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, the Divisional Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) S.E. Ayinla, disclosed the statistics and pledged to sustain and improve on the division’s performance in the coming year.

According to him, the suspected illegal miners are currently undergoing prosecution, a development he said sends a strong warning to those engaged in illegal mining activities within the area.

He applauded the effective synergy between the division and the 176 Guards Battalion, which he noted contributed significantly to the arrests, and vowed to further strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies to confront criminal activities decisively.

While commending the unwavering commitment and resilience of officers and men of the division, CSC Ayinla called on residents of the Area Council and the general public to continue to trust and support the Corps with timely and credible information on all forms of criminality, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

He attributed the recorded successes to the visionary leadership of the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, and the support of the Gwagwalada Area Council. He further appealed for increased assistance from the council, particularly in securing a permanent and befitting office space for the division.

In a brief remark, the Treasurer of Gwagwalada Area Council and Guest of Honour, Alhaji Mamman Sani Gulu, commended the officers and men of the division and assured them of the council’s continued support in the discharge of their statutory duties.

The event was attended by heads and representatives of sister security agencies within the Area Council, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Commander, 176 Guards Battalion, Major D. Mapis; ACN Palnam Jantiku of the NDLEA; and CSP Hamza Musa, the Divisional Police Officer of Gwagwalada.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving personnel and formations. Odobi Outpost emerged as the Best Outpost of the Year, ASC Saminu Alhaji clinched the award for Most Active Intelligence Officer, while the Medical Unit was named the Most Innovative Unit.

Other awards saw SC Felix Oudah emerge as the Most Outstanding Personnel of the Division, while CAII Williams Gift, CAII Odumuh Alice, and CAIII Audu Gloria received Special Recognition awards for their dedication and exemplary service.