AfriPulse
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has declared its readiness to provide armed protection for Very Important Persons (VIPs), in line with a new directive issued by President Bola Tinubu.
Ahmed Audi, Commandant-General of the corps, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the NSCDC’s quarterly meeting with senior officers at the national headquarters in Abuja.
He said the corps was fully prepared to take on the responsibility, despite concerns about manpower.
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According to Audi, the NSCDC has professionally aligned itself with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the areas of safeguarding lives, property, and the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
“Despite our size, we are not complaining. This assignment is one the corps is ready to tackle, and it is a welcome idea,” he said, stressing that the NSCDC remains committed to the president’s directive.
President Tinubu, through Bayo Onanuga,
his spokesman, had earlier announced that VIPs seeking official protection would henceforth obtain well-armed personnel from the NSCDC, a move that expands the corps’ operational responsibilities within the country’s security architecture.
Audi explained that the quarterly meeting was convened not only to review ongoing operations but also to deliberate on strategies and modalities for effectively handling VIP protection.
He noted that the corps would engage relevant stakeholders at various levels to ensure the smooth and professional execution of the new assignment.
He clarified, however, that VIP protection was not entirely new to the NSCDC, as its personnel had long been involved in such duties in collaboration with other security agencies.
“We have been part of it alongside other agencies. It is also important to note that our personnel are trained by the military, especially our special forces, which equips them for high-risk assignments,” the CG said.
Audi further disclosed that the ongoing recruitment exercise being conducted by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) would significantly boost the manpower capacity of the corps, thereby strengthening its ability to meet expanded operational demands.
The NSCDC boss also issued a stern warning to state commandants and heads of formations nationwide, urging them to demonstrate professionalism and diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“We will strengthen the monitoring mechanism on the performance of heads of formations nationwide, with a view to checking what they do and assessing them. Anyone who does not take his job seriously will be sanctioned,” he said.
He commended the efforts, resilience and professionalism of NSCDC personnel, noting that their dedication has continued to project the corps positively in the nation’s security landscape.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
