By Gambo Jagindi
In response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police officers from VIP protection duties and redeploy them to core policing, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is stepping up to the challenge. Under the leadership of Commandant General (CG) Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the NSCDC is set to take over VIP protection duties, with the Minister of Interior coordinating the transition. President Tinubu emphasized that police officers are trained to protect citizens, especially the vulnerable, and that diverting them to guard a select few undermines public security. With this new mandate, the NSCDC is reinforcing its VIP protection capabilities with specialized tactical training, ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals while strengthening internal security operations and emergency response capabilities nationwide.
In a recent address at the Passing-Out-Parade of the second batch of the VIP Proficiency Course 002, Professor Audi mandated Corps personnel to deploy advanced tactical knowledge and precision skills to strengthen internal security operations, enhance VIP protection services, and improve emergency response capabilities. This directive underscores the NSCDC’s commitment to excellence and its determination to rise to the challenge of securing the nation and protecting high-profile individuals.
The VIP Proficiency Course 002 in Basic Tactical Skills and Weapon Handling was designed to equip officers with modern tactical expertise, precision weapon skills, and mental preparedness essential for high-risk protective assignments. A total of 208 participants successfully completed the rigorous training, having been drawn from all 36 state commands, the Federal Capital Territory, and the National Headquarters.
In his address, Professor Audi called on the graduating participants to act as distinguished ambassadors of the Corps, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, law-abiding behavior, and operational efficiency. He reminded personnel that the weapons entrusted to them are symbols of trust and must be handled with the highest sense of responsibility and accountability.
As the NSCDC takes on the new responsibility of VIP protection, Nigerians are calling on the organization to embark on massive recruitment to meet the high demands of security from VIPs and the protection of critical national assets. Ambassador Ademario Emmanuel, Director General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONNYSA), has commended the effort of Professor Audi in working tirelessly to transform the corps into a world-class security agency. “The NSCDC is on the right track, and we urge them to recruit more personnel to strengthen their capabilities,” the DG said. With the increasing security challenges in the country, Nigerians are looking up to the NSCDC to deliver on its mandate, and the recruitment drive is seen as a crucial step in achieving this goal.
The NSCDC’s commitment to continuous training and retraining is a testament to its dedication to excellence. As the nation grapples with various security challenges, the Corps’ efforts to enhance its capabilities are a welcome development. The NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria and its people is a beacon of hope in these uncertain times.
. Jagindi is a digital media publisher who writes from Abuja via jagindi2016@gmail.com, +2347065466654
