NSCDC Rebirth: from stagnation to a functional purpose driven Agency
Adeniyi Zion write from Abuja
A new Dawn in NSCDC
the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is a paramilitary agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.
When purpose is not defined abuse is invitable. Over the years their role seems not to be well defined or clear hence the low level of productivity.
This is no longer the story in NSCDC under the leadership of Hon minister of interior olubunmi Tunji-Ojo the agent of Reform. Now purpose is well defined and we can now feel her impact.
We now know that the agency is saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, protecting lives and property, regulating private guard companies, preventing vandalism of public utilities, disaster response, and supporting internal security operations.
What really changed in NSCDC since the inception of this new administration?
1. Promotions & Solving Career Stagnation
Under this leadership, there has been a large scale promotion of NSCDC personnel. In 2023, 21,406 NSCDC officers were promoted and in 2024, 9,946 further promotions were made in NSCDC.
2. Enhanced Operational Capacity
• Acquisition of new operational vehicles, motorbikes, and armoured gunboats to strengthen patrol, surveillance, and enforcement capacity in combating insecurity on major roads and at mining sites.
• Establishment of special units like
-Mining Marshals to target illegal mining and protect mining sites. This unit can be counted as one of the most productive unit as it has made a total of 307 arrest, out of which 215 has been handled and 133 being prosecuted. This has boosted investors confidence thereby increasing government revenue.
- Special Intelligent Corps Unit gathers and acts on intelligence to prevent crimes, safeguard critical infrastructure, and enhance national security. The unit has recorded 1,645 arrests, with 906 cases under prosecution, 171 convictions secured, and 218 illegal refineries destroyed as a result of its intelligent efforts.”
• Accelerated Safe School Initiative
NSCDC has intensified efforts to protect schools, students, and teachers from security threats . Special operations and dedicated personnel have been deployed to vulnerable learning environments to prevent attacks, reassure communities in northern and some southern states, and to strengthen the overall safety of educational institutions across the country. Currently over 21,000 schools has been covered by this initiative
• Launch of “Power Rangers” and “Agro Rangers” to protect farmland, farmers, and critical infrastructure such as power lines.
• NSCDC recruited more personnel under this administration. The ministry overall (which includes NSCDC) generated more than N6 billion in 2024, partially due to improved service delivery.
3.Officers Welfare is not neglected as. operational vehicles to upscale mobility of officers on duty has been commissioned. Also the foundation for CEDOWA group of schools to support wards of officers has been laid.
4.Accountability and discipline is not left out as 37 NSCDC officers were among 118 personnel from paramilitary agencies (NSCDC, Immigration, Fire Service, Correctional Service) sanctioned for misconduct, negligence, and absenteeism.
This has help instill discipline in officers and in turn improve their service delivery.
Now we can boost of a Functional NSCDC that is well equipped to safeguard national infrastructure as well as lives and properties.
