The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Federal Command Territory Command, on Monday, concluded a five-day training in sign language for its personnel.

According to the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, the initiative is aimed at improving communication with deaf citizens, a group often excluded from public safety conversations and services.

Odumosu noted that sign language proficiency among officers could aid in intelligence gathering and investigations, particularly when dealing with cases involving members of the deaf community.

He added that the training supports the broader goal of ensuring access to justice and law enforcement services for all citizens, regardless of disability.

“This initiative is not merely a training exercise. It is a strategic investment in the future of intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, and delivering on the NSCDC core mandates.

“By equipping our personnel with sign language proficiency, we are tearing down a long-standing barrier between law enforcement and members of the deaf community.

“This is citizens-centred approach to law enforcement in its truest sense — building trust, sense of belonging, improving access to justice, and ensuring no voice goes unheard, whether spoken or signed,” he noted.

The programme was organised in partnership with Data Lead Africa Foundation.

As part of the next steps, members of the Deaf in Tech community are expected to be assigned to specific NSCDC departments to help officers continue building their sign language skills through real-life interactions.

Odumosu also indicated that sign language may play a secondary role in secure or discreet communication during certain operations, adding a potential operational benefit to the training.

While praising the support of the Corps’ national leadership, Odumosu was clear that this initiative is just one part of an ongoing effort to reform how the NSCDC interacts with the public.

“To our officers who took part in this training: I commend your commitment and your courage to learn, adapt, and embrace a new skill that will forever enrich your professional conduct and personal life.

“You are now ambassadors of inclusivity and agents of a more compassionate, more responsive Command of the NSCDC,” he urged.

The Command, he said, is committed to deeper community engagement and continuous personnel development.

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