The Federal Government has charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to upscale intelligence gathering and prompt response mechanisms as part of renewed efforts to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.
The call was made on Thursday by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, during the decoration ceremony of 113 newly promoted senior officers of the Corps, including the elevation of the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer to the rank of Assistant Commandant of Corps.
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The minister, who was represented by Abdulmalik Jibrin, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), said the evolving nature of insecurity across the country demands proactive, intelligence-driven operations from the NSCDC in line with its statutory mandate.
He commended the Corps for its contributions to national security, particularly in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as lives and property, but stressed the need for more strategic intelligence planning to confront emerging threats to peace and national development.
Tunji-Ojo also referenced the additional responsibility recently assigned to the NSCDC, including the protection of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), a role previously handled by the Nigeria Police Force.
He urged the newly promoted officers and the entire Corps to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the minister, the promotions were strictly merit-based and intended to boost morale and enhance operational effectiveness, especially after years of stagnation that had affected services under the Ministry of Interior.
He assured officers and men of the Corps that the Interior Services Board remains committed to approving requests that would improve performance, professionalism and dedication to duty across the services.
Earlier, Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, charged the newly promoted officers to see their elevation as a call to higher responsibility and leadership.
Audi urged them to mentor junior officers and set examples worthy of emulation, while warning against lobbying for “juicy” postings.
He assured that redeployments under his leadership would be timely, transparent and strictly guided by merit and performance.
Responding on behalf of the promoted officers, Ekanem Ekpenyong pledged their continued commitment to professionalism, integrity and loyalty, noting that they would remain guided by the Oath of Allegiance in the discharge of their duties.
