By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, has flagged off a two-day capacity-building workshop for members of the Female Special Force (FSF) in Abuja, aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness and enhancing evidence-based research capabilities among officers.

The workshop, which brought together State Commanders and selected officers from across the country, is designed to improve operational delivery, intelligence gathering, and strategic decision-making within the Corps.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Audi stressed the critical role of women in promoting sustainable peace and national security. He noted that the initiative is in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and the NSCDC Gender Policy, both of which advocate gender inclusion, equal opportunities, and the integration of women into security operations.

According to the NSCDC boss, women are not merely beneficiaries of security initiatives but active contributors to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, intelligence gathering, and national development.

“Women are not merely beneficiaries of security; they are active contributors to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, intelligence gathering, and national security,” he said, while assuring the Female Special Force of the management’s continued support and commitment to strengthening the unit.

In her welcome address, the National Commander of the Female Special Force, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Imonikhe Oluwakemi, reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) and the adoption of data-driven intelligence to improve operational outcomes.

She emphasized that the workshop would further equip participants with the skills required to respond effectively to emerging security challenges and contribute meaningfully to the Corps’ mandate.

Also speaking, the Head of the Critical Thinking, Research and Innovation Unit (CTRIU), ACC Dr. Ogunshola Folashade, underscored the importance of critical thinking, innovation, and technological integration in contemporary security operations.

She noted that modern security management requires a combination of tactical expertise, strategic intelligence, and research-based approaches to effectively address evolving threats.

The event attracted goodwill messages from representatives of sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Fire Service, all of whom commended the NSCDC for its commitment to empowering female personnel and promoting inclusive security governance.

The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of performance awards to outstanding Female Special Force State Commanders from Benue, Kebbi, Edo, and Bayelsa States in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the advancement of the unit and the Corps’ operational objectives.