In response to the prevailing security challenges across the country, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to intensify and upscale prompt intelligence-gathering in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, with a view to strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
The minister, who was represented at the decoration ceremony by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin fdc (Rtd), commended the NSCDC for its sustained contributions to national security, particularly in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as lives and property. He emphasized the need for the Corps to develop and deploy robust intelligence strategies capable of addressing emerging threats to national peace and development.
Speaking on the expanded mandate of the NSCDC, including the responsibility for the protection of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), previously handled by the Nigeria Police, the minister charged the newly promoted senior officers and the entire personnel of the Corps to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the promotions, which were strictly merit-based, were intended to boost morale and enhance efficiency in service delivery, especially considering the period of stagnation previously experienced across the services under the ministry. He further assured officers and men of the Corps that the Interior Services Board remains committed to approving requests that would enhance outstanding performance and dedication to duty.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi,

i, urged the newly promoted officers to see their elevation as a call to higher responsibility, particularly in mentoring their subordinates and embracing the leadership challenges ahead.
He assured the officers of timely redeployment and warned against attempts to lobby for so-called “juicy” postings, stressing that his administration remains thorough and committed to allowing merit and performance to guide all deployment decisions.
Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ikponmwosa Ekpenyong pledged their unwavering commitment to the discharge of their duties with integrity and professionalism, in strict adherence to the Oath of Allegiance.
Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer to the rank of Assistant Commandant of Corps by the Commandant General. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Controller General of Corrections, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, and representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Department of State Services, all of whom were present to grace the occasion.