Clement Idoko, Author at Tribune Online

The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has presented cheques worth more than N188 million to over 20 next of kin of deceased personnel as insurance benefits. The spokesperson of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, who made this known in a statement in Abuja, said the symbolic presentation of cheques to the families of the deceased personnel was done by the CG at an event marking the 2025 International Civil Defence Day Organisation (ICDO). Afolabi noted that this was in line with the commitment of Audi's administration to upholding the welfare of personnel. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, speaking at the event, called for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement to forestall security threats, promote civil defence, and reduce disaster risks. The Minister lamented that the world has witnessed an increase in the frequency and severity of threats, thus highlighting the importance of civil defence in protecting human lives, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure. Tunji-Ojo, who was represented at the national headquarters of the Corps by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Retd.), explained that the situation underscores the imperative of civil defence. "It is imperative that we continue to prioritize civil defence efforts, work together to promote a culture of prevention, preparedness, and response, and support the development of resilient communities that can withstand current security threats," the minister stated. Corroborating the minister's position while delivering the ICDO 2025 message with the theme Civil Defence: Guarantee of Security for the Population, the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, emphasized the need for collaboration and synergy among agencies and other critical stakeholders to make the world safer and more secure. He reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to continue striving for the effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI), saying the Corps would not relent in strengthening physical security and sensitizing the general public to guarantee security and well-being. The CG disclosed that the establishment of the Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshal, Agro Rangers, and Special Female Squad has led to steady successes and achievements by the Corps. He stated that the Special Intelligence Squad has arrested over 500 suspects and destroyed more than 350 illegal refineries, while the Special Female Squad has thwarted over 48 kidnapping attempts on schools. ALSO READ:NSITF Board: Reps summon Labour Minister Audi further revealed that the newly established Mining Marshal has closed down over 170 illegal mining sites. Speaking earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, noted that ICDO is marked globally every March 1st to raise awareness about the crucial role of Civil Defence Organizations in safeguarding communities against natural and man-made disasters. He added that the NSCDC is at the forefront of protecting CNAI, crisis management, regulating Private Guard Companies, and intelligence gathering, among other responsibilities. Goodwill messages were delivered by the representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service—Major General J.O. Attah, DIG Frank Mbah, and DCGI Ada James Umanah, respectively. Other highlights of the ICDO celebration in Abuja included parades and simulation exercises by NSCDC personnel, depicting the Corps’ core mandates.