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

The Director of Legal Services of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Aminu Kayode Alilu. has concluded a two-day intensive legal training for personnel of the Cross River State Command, aimed at strengthening professional conduct, improving criminal investigations and ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law.

The training, held from Friday, October 23, to Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Calabar, focused on aligning the Corps’ operational activities with established legal standards, criminal justice procedures and the protection of fundamental human rights.The workshop brought together Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, intelligence and investigation operatives, legal officers, station officers, cell guards, personnel of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (CNAI), tactical unit commanders and other relevant operational personnel.

During the sessions, Alilu provided an extensive explanation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and other relevant legal frameworks governing law enforcement operations. He equipped participants with practical legal knowledge required for effective criminal investigations, lawful arrests, proper handling of suspects and successful prosecution of criminal cases.

The Director of Legal Services emphasised that officers must strictly comply with established legal procedures in the discharge of their duties, particularly during arrests, interrogations, detention and investigations. He warned that disregard for due process could undermine criminal prosecutions, expose the Corps to unnecessary litigation and violate the fundamental rights of citizens.

He further stressed the importance of professionalism, accountability and respect for human dignity, noting that effective security operations must be conducted within the confines of the law.In his closing remarks, the Cross River State Commandant, Corps Commander Okarazu Chima, expressed appreciation to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for appointing Alilu to lead the Corps’ Legal Services Directorate and for prioritising the legal capacity development of personnel.Okarazu described the training as timely and essential to the operational effectiveness of the Command, noting that a sound understanding of legal principles was indispensable to the successful discharge of the Corps’ statutory responsibilities.He urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired into improved operational performance and strict compliance with established procedures.

The Commandant also warned that the Command would no longer tolerate avoidable legal errors capable of resulting in unnecessary litigation, procedural violations or infringement of citizens’ rights.

The two-day training featured interactive discussions, practical case studies and question-and-answer sessions, providing participants with opportunities to examine legal challenges encountered during field operations and seek professional guidance.

The exercise ended with a renewed commitment by the Cross River State Command to strengthen lawful enforcement, improve the quality of investigations and ensure that personnel carry out their duties with professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.