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

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cautioned its personnel in Akwa Ibom State against involvement in debt recovery disputes, warning that such activities are outside the statutory responsibilities of the corps.

The warning was issued by the Director of Legal Services at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Aminu Kayode Alilu, during a two-day capacity-building workshop held at the Akwa Ibom State Command headquarters in Uyo.Alilu stressed the need for officers to operate strictly within the confines of the law, particularly in matters involving arrests, investigations, interrogations and the prosecution of criminal cases.He explained that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 prohibits torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, as well as the arrest of individuals on behalf of other persons.

The legal director urged personnel to respect the fundamental rights of suspects and ensure that their conduct reflects the principles of justice, fairness and professionalism.He described the ACJA as a critical legal framework governing the criminal justice system and emphasised that officers, particularly those involved in prosecution, must apply its provisions with fairness and humanity.

According to him, the law requires law enforcement officers to exercise their powers responsibly while ensuring that suspects are treated with dignity throughout the investigation and prosecution process.Alilu also highlighted the importance of electronic recording of arrest and interrogation procedures, directing that at least one member of every arrest team should be equipped with a camera to document the process.He said the recordings would enhance transparency, strengthen accountability and provide credible video evidence that could support prosecution in court.

The NSCDC legal director further reminded investigators that suspects are entitled to have access to legal representation during interrogation, including a lawyer, Legal Aid counsel, a Justice of the Peace or a family member, in line with applicable legal provisions.He urged officers to ensure the proper collection, documentation and preservation of evidence, noting that the quality of investigative work and the accuracy of official reports were essential to securing successful prosecutions.Alilu warned that poor investigation, improper handling of evidence and unprofessional conduct could undermine criminal cases and erode public confidence in the corps.Earlier, the Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the NSCDC, Jonathan Olariche, urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired during the workshop into improved service delivery.Olariche said continuous training and professional development were essential to building a disciplined workforce capable of protecting lives, property and the rights of citizens.He encouraged officers to discharge their duties with integrity, respect for the law and a commitment to serving the public.

The workshop was attended by management staff, area commanders, divisional officers and personnel from departments and units responsible for arrests, investigations and other operational duties.The training forms part of the corps’ efforts to strengthen the legal capacity of its personnel, improve operational standards and promote respect for human rights in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.