By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has trained 14 officers in criminology as part of efforts to enhance intelligence-driven operations and improve crime prevention strategies across the territory.

The officers graduated from an Executive Certificate Programme in Criminology organised by the Pan-African Institute of Paralegal Studies. The graduation ceremony was held in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking at the event, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the training underscored the command’s commitment to developing a professional, knowledge-based and operationally efficient workforce capable of addressing emerging security threats.

According to him, contemporary security challenges such as cybercrime, kidnapping, economic sabotage, vandalism and organised criminal activities require security personnel to combine field experience with analytical skills and legal knowledge.

Odumosu noted that criminology provides officers with a deeper understanding of criminal behaviour, enhances investigative competence, promotes evidence-based decision-making and strengthens crime prevention mechanisms.

He explained that the knowledge acquired during the programme would improve the Corps’ capacity in intelligence gathering, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, crisis management and the safeguarding of lives and property.

The commandant added that the initiative aligns with the vision of the NSCDC leadership to promote professionalism, innovation, ethical leadership, capacity development and improved service delivery.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to continuous training and strategic partnerships aimed at boosting operational effectiveness and ensuring that personnel remain equipped to respond to evolving security challenges.

Odumosu urged the graduating officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said: “These certificates should not be viewed merely as academic qualifications but as symbols of greater responsibility. The knowledge you have acquired should be reflected in your investigations, operational planning, public engagements and commitment to justice, professionalism and service.”

The commandant further stressed that sustained investment in personnel development remains critical to building a modern security organisation capable of effectively supporting national security objectives.

In his remarks, the Founder and Director of the Pan-African Institute of Paralegal Studies, Mr. Olajide Olakanmi, commended the NSCDC FCT Command for prioritising the professional growth and welfare of its personnel.

Olakanmi described the initiative as commendable, noting that the pioneer batch of 14 officers distinguished themselves through discipline, active participation and outstanding academic performance throughout the programme.

He expressed confidence that the collaboration between the institute and the NSCDC would continue through additional training programmes designed to strengthen professional competence and operational excellence.

According to him, capacity-building initiatives such as the criminology programme are essential for equipping security personnel with the knowledge and skills required to address increasingly complex security threats in Nigeria.

The event marked another step in the NSCDC’s ongoing efforts to enhance personnel development and strengthen intelligence-led approaches to crime prevention and public safety within the Federal Capital Territory.