Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 55,000 operatives across the country to ensure public safety and protect critical national assets and infrastructure during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the nationwide deployment as part of measures to strengthen the nation’s security architecture before, during and after the yuletide period.

Audi said the decision became imperative in view of the tendency of criminal elements to exploit festive periods to carry out acts of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency and other crimes.

He stressed that many security threats could be effectively curtailed if citizens embraced the culture of providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies. According to him, proactive intelligence-sharing would aid early intervention and lead to the arrest of individuals who pose threats to national security.

“To prevent crimes rather than react to them, it is imperative for members of the public to trust and collaborate with us by providing credible and timely information that will enable swift action,” the NSCDC boss said.

Audi directed Zonal Commanders to closely monitor formations under their jurisdiction, while State Commandants are to coordinate Area Commands, Divisional Offices and other operational units to ensure effective coverage.

He explained that the deployment involves both covert and overt operations, with full mobilisation of personnel aimed at guaranteeing maximum human security and safeguarding government assets nationwide.

Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to national peace and stability, the NSCDC helmsman assured Nigerians of enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure a safe environment conducive to development.

He said: “Our unwavering commitment is to ensure a safe and secure environment, and this can only be achieved with the active support of the public.”

The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale.

Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity

Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive

By: Zagazola Makama

The military has arrested four police officers for allegedly providing unauthorised escort services to a VIP in contravention of the presidential directive on the withdrawal of policemen from VIP protection duties.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest occurred on Dec. 17 at about 9:30 a.m., while the officers were reportedly on escort duty.

Those arrested were identified as ASP Musa Waziri and Insp. Jeremiah Achimogu both attached to 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja; Insp. Awipi Terry of 21 PMF; and Insp. Hassan Baba of 50 PMF, Abuja.

According to security sources, the officers were arrested by military personnel after allegedly flouting the presidential order withdrawing police personnel from VIP escort duties.

The sources further disclosed that the policemen were dressed in uniforms similar to that of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly in an attempt to evade detection and deceive enforcement personnel.

The arrested officers have since been detained, while disciplinary procedures have been initiated against them in line with extant regulations.

The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection duties to redeploy manpower to core policing and internal security operations across the country.

Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive

Bandits attack NSCDC outpost in Niger, cart away rifle

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits, suspected to be insurgents, have attacked a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) nipping point at Ibrahim Leteh Village along the Wawa–Luma Road in Niger State.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred on Dec. 22 at about 4:30 a.m., when a large number of the assailants stormed the outpost and opened fire.

Security sources said two NSCDC personnel on duty took cover during the attack, while the bandits riddled the patrol vehicle and the mini office at the location with bullets.

The sources added that one G3 rifle, officially assigned to an NSCDC personnel, was carted away by the attackers during the incident.

No casualty was recorded in the attack.

The scene was later visited by security operatives, and photographs were taken for investigation and documentation.

Efforts are currently ongoing to recover the stolen rifle and apprehend the suspects, while security presence in the area has been reinforced.

Bandits attack NSCDC outpost in Niger, cart away rifle