1st April, 2022
By Kelechi Ogunleye
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has concluded plans to acquire gunboats to strengthen the fight against oil thieves in the country.
NSCDC Commandant-General, Mr Ahmed Audi, said this in Abuja on Friday while addressing state commandants and other top management staff of the corps.
Audi appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the funds to be used in purchasing gunboats for surveillance and operations in riverine areas.
According to him, the corps had also acquired sensitive intelligence equipment that would be deployed to states to aid information gathering.
He tasked the corps with credible and prompt intelligence gathering to proactively address security threats.
“Intelligence gathering and effective synergy are what will help nip insecurity in the bud.
“We have realised that the intelligence reports state commandants are giving us are not enough.
“Citizens need to also know that the fight against insecurity should be of concern to all,” Audi said.
The commandant-general urged state commandants to work closely with governments to tackle the rising rate of insecurity in the country.
Meanwhile, he explained that the role of traditional leaders and locals should be applied as they related at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, he said that the corps embarked on massive recruitment recently to equip its capacity.
“The ongoing recruitment is almost over. It is at the documentation stage, to be followed by a three-month rigorous training at Civil Defence Training colleges.
“The corps is fully committed to efforts that will make the nation safe, for crimes and criminalities not to thrive,” Audi said.
However, he expressed displeasure over the non-commitment of some state commandants who absconded from their duty posts.
“Some don’t go to the office on time. They resume at 11.00 a.m., close at 3.00 p.m. and by so doing, shortchanged the government.
“Henceforth, I will visit commands unannounced to avoid pretence,” he said.
Audi noted that the Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola had approved a set of new uniforms which would be unveiled after the completion of all necessary protocols.
“They are of two sets; as grade one is almost at the stage of final approval while the other which is for operational purpose, will be ready later,” he said.
NAN