The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has declared its readiness to provide armed security for Very Important Persons (VIPs), in line with a new directive issued by President Bola Tinubu.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Tuesday during the NSCDC quarterly meeting with senior officers at the national headquarters in Abuja.
He said that despite concerns about manpower, the Corps is fully prepared to take up the responsibility.
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According to Audi, the NSCDC has professionally aligned itself with the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, especially in the areas of security of life, property and security of critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI).
“Despite our size, we are not complaining. This task is one that the Corps is prepared to tackle, and it is a welcome idea,” he said, stressing that the NSCDC remains committed to the President's directive.
President Tinubu, through Bio Onanuga,
His spokesperson had earlier announced that VIPs seeking official protection will now receive well-armed personnel from the NSCDC, a move that expands the corps' operational responsibilities within the country's security architecture.
Audi informed that the quarterly meeting was called not only to review the ongoing work but also to deliberate on strategies and modalities to effectively handle VIP security.
He said the Corps will involve relevant stakeholders at various levels to ensure smooth and professional execution of the new work.
However, he clarified that VIP security is not entirely new to the NSCDC as its personnel had been involved in such duties in collaboration with other security agencies for a long time.
“We have been part of this along with other agencies. It is also important to note that our personnel are trained by the Army, especially our special forces, which prepares them for high-risk operations,” the CG said.
Audi further revealed that the ongoing recruitment process by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) will significantly increase 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 and urged them to display professionalism and diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“We will strengthen the monitoring mechanisms on the performance of heads of structures nationwide, so that what they do can be scrutinized and evaluated. Anyone who does not take their work seriously will be punished,” he said.
He appreciated the efforts, flexibility and professionalism of the NSCDC personnel, noting that their dedication has continued to positively project the Corps in the country's security landscape.
