The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has called for increased funding, enhanced operational capacity, strengthened inter-agency cooperation, and improved personnel training to sustain the agency’s success in promoting security in Nigeria.
Dr. Audi made this appeal while delivering a lecture titled “The Role of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Promoting National Security” at the Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, University of Ibadan, on Friday.
The lecture, organized by the university’s Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), was chaired by Prof. Fredrick Tyoor, President of the International Academy for Gender and Peace and Chairperson of the Gender and Studies Programme at the University of Ibadan.
According to Dr. Audi, national security encompasses measures taken by a state to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the well-being of its citizens. He noted that the challenges confronting Nigeria not only threaten its territorial integrity but also undermine its economic and social stability.
He highlighted the NSCDC’s core functions, which include the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, counter-terrorism efforts, disaster response and management, community security, and conflict resolution.
However, he identified inadequate funding as a significant challenge for the NSCDC, emphasizing that the Corps relies heavily on government resources to execute its operations. Dr. Audi acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the federal government, which limit its ability to invest in critical infrastructure, modern equipment, and personnel training. He called for support from private individuals and organizations to help the agency overcome its financial challenges.
Dr. Audi also stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, advocating for the adoption of the “three Cs”cooperation, coordination, and collaboration by all security agencies to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians.
He recalled a recent incident in which four NSCDC officers were killed, and one remains missing, following an attack by Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection of national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
“The assignment given to the Corps is a peculiar one. Protecting critical assets is very challenging, but the losses we have incurred will motivate us to do our best in providing security. The Corps remains committed and dedicated to its mission,” Dr. Audi stated.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Ruth Adio-Moses, Director of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan, described the lecture’s theme as timely, given the complex security dynamics and threats Nigeria faces, ranging from insurgency and cybercrime to natural disasters and resource conflicts. She emphasized the pivotal role of security agencies like the NSCDC in addressing these challenges.
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She further noted that the lecture provided an opportunity for the public to gain insights into the Corps’ activities and critically examine how it could enhance its mandate and align its strategies with the nation’s evolving security needs.
Following the lecture, Dr. Audi was conferred with the title Fellow of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies by Prof. Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the representative of the Minister of Interior, Prof. Muktar Abdulkadri; the representative of the Oyo State Governor, Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni; Prof. T. Akanji; Dr. N.D. Danjibo; and Dr. I.O. Isola.
Security personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service were also present, alongside a large number of IPSS lecturers, students, and NSCDC personnel.
