By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno State Command, Comdt. Ahmed Bello Gaya, finsis, has directed officers and men of the Command to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Gaya gave the directive on Monday during an extraordinary briefing and muster parade held at the Command Headquarters in Maiduguri, where he addressed Heads of Departments, Heads of Units, Area Commanders and Divisional Officers.

The Commandant, while conveying the directives of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, warned personnel against human rights violations, unprofessional conduct and unlawful detention of suspects. He stressed that the Corps would maintain zero tolerance for practices capable of undermining public confidence in its operations.

Gaya also referred to the recent incident involving the Niger State Command, in which suspects reportedly died while in custody, describing the development as regrettable and avoidable. He warned that officers must learn from the incident and ensure that nothing similar occurs in any formation of the Corps.

He reminded personnel that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, stressing that the responsibility of the Corps is to protect lives and uphold the law rather than violate the rights of persons in custody. He further directed that investigations must be intelligence driven, humane and conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions and accepted professional standards.

The Commandant directed that no suspect should be detained without the knowledge and approval of the State Commandant. He also ordered regular inspection of all detention facilities and strict maintenance of detention registers, while directing Investigation Units to ensure full compliance with the fundamental rights of suspects throughout the investigation process.

Gaya reaffirmed the commitment of the Commandant General to repositioning the NSCDC as a world class, humane and professionally managed security organisation. He urged personnel to conduct themselves in a manner that would enhance the reputation of the Corps and strengthen public confidence in its ability to discharge its statutory responsibilities.

He assured the public that the Borno State Command would continue to protect lives and property, safeguard critical national assets and support the maintenance of peace and security across the state, while ensuring that justice, professionalism and human dignity remain central to its operations.