The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has given a marching order to all Zonal Commanders and State Commandants to intensify patrols, monitoring and surveillance on Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) across the country, including manholes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The CG gave this charge at the second edition of the CG’s quarterly conference in 2023, where he affirmed the critical nature of CNAI to national security and socio-economic development.
“There is need for the Corps to strengthen security in all aspects of the country’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure through proactive and pragmatic steps as the lead agency in this regard.
“You are to engage discrete investigation and intelligence gathering to track down those who engage in acts capable of undermining the security and integrity of our collective patrimony”, the CG said.
Dr Audi reiterated that the Corps has recorded tremendous success in curbing oil theft, vandalism, violent attacks, and economic sabotage through determination, commitment and doggedness of personnel who have defied all odds in the face of daunting challenges to justify the confidence reposed in the Corps.
He commended the efforts of the personnel and charged them to continue being steadfast, resilient and professional in the discharge of the Corps mandates.
“We need to remind ourselves of the challenges ahead of us and the need to effectively tackle the emerging security threats.
“We also need to intensify our efforts in the protection of CNAI, tackle the challenges in the oil sector and ensure protection of farmers and farmland to guarantee food security.
“Protect facilities in the power, telecoms and transportation sector with emphasis on rail infrastructure among others” he explained.
The Corps helmsman emphasised that the Corps has prioritised training and retraining, as well as procurement of modern operational and communication equipment in its determination to further enhance the capacity of the Corps.
He charged the heads of Corps formations to give precedence to training and retraining on intelligence and surveillance, which is key towards finding a lasting solution to challenges of insecurity in the country.
The CG harped on the importance of synergy and collaboration with host communities and sister agencies which according to him, will facilitate prompt action and guard against acts of sabotage, vandalism and willful damage.
He reminded them of President Bola Tinubu’s stance against oil theft, and issued a fresh order to all the State Commandants to rejig and reenergize their anti-vandal and intelligence units to effectively execute the Presidential Order as the retention of their offices is dependent on performance.
The Commandant General’s Conference is the initiative of Dr Audi upon assumption of office two years ago to provide a forum for evaluation, appraisal of the Corp’s performance and discuss strategies for accomplishments of its mandates nationwide.
