NSCDC Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Expands qSurvivor Protection Framework

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has restated its commitment to the global fight against conflict-related sexual violence, pledging stronger institutional response mechanisms to protect women, girls, and other vulnerable groups in crisis situations across the country.

In a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, said the Corps remains firmly aligned with international standards on prevention, accountability, and survivor-centred response to sexual violence in conflict settings.

He stressed that the NSCDC continues to strengthen its operational capacity to prevent abuse, support victims, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, noting that conflict-related sexual violence remains a serious threat to peace and human security.

“Preventing sexual violence in conflict and protecting women, girls, and children is a shared security responsibility. It demands early intervention, strict accountability for offenders, and the absolute protection of the dignity of survivors,” Audi said.

The Corps highlighted that its revised Gender Policy, launched on February 3, 2026, is already reshaping operational conduct across commands nationwide. According to the NSCDC, the policy is reinforcing gender-responsive security operations, improving early warning systems, and strengthening trauma-informed care for survivors of violence.

At the National Headquarters, the Head of the Gender Unit, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Kemi Ajet, said the framework is designed to ensure that gender considerations are fully integrated into security planning and field operations, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-prone communities.

She warned that emerging conflict indicators—including rising community tensions, harassment and intimidation patterns, forced displacement, trafficking risks, and heightened vulnerability among internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities—must be urgently monitored and reported.

DCC Ajet also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and the media to improve reporting networks, eliminate stigma, and end victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence.

The NSCDC urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities through its official communication channels, stressing that timely intelligence remains critical to preventing abuse and saving lives.

NSCDC Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Expands qSurvivor Protection Framework

Interagency Rivalry Fuelling Nigeria’s Insecurity, NSCDC Commandant Warns

By: Michael Mike

Interagency rivalry and the inability of security institutions to work seamlessly together are undermining Nigeria’s response to insecurity, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has warned.

Odumosu raised the alarm on Friday in Abuja at the launch of his book, Nigeria’s Security Dilemma: Rivalries and Implications, Vol. 1, where security experts and government officials unanimously called for greater synergy among security agencies to tackle the country’s mounting security challenges.

The NSCDC commandant argued that no single security organisation possesses the capacity or expertise to effectively address the multifaceted threats confronting Nigeria, insisting that a fragmented approach to national security has only emboldened criminal elements.

“No one agency has it all. There is a need for a united front because security is not what one agency can do. No one has a monopoly of wisdom,” he said.

Odumosu identified institutional rivalries, competition for relevance and lack of coordinated action as major impediments to a robust national security architecture.

Echoing similar concerns, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, said national security must rise above institutional ego and political affiliations.

“When it comes to security, there is no PDP, no APC. We need to understand that,” he said.

The former Edo State governor advocated mandatory intelligence sharing among security agencies, stressing that intelligence gathering is ineffective unless it is promptly acted upon through coordinated operations.

He recommended closer collaboration between the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police and the military, arguing that integrated intelligence and operational support are critical to dismantling criminal networks.

Drawing from his experience as governor, Oshiomhole recalled how intelligence-led operations backed by military firepower had led to the arrest of numerous kidnappers and criminal suspects.

The senator, however, expressed concern that some successful operations ended in frustration when suspects were discharged or granted bail despite the efforts invested in apprehending them.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (retd), acknowledged the challenges posed by interagency competition and disclosed that efforts were already underway to improve collaboration across the nation’s security institutions.

“The stability of Nigeria is more important than the ego of any agency,” he said.

In his remarks, Deputy Commandant General of NSCDC in charge of Technical Services, Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, who represented the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, described insecurity as a global phenomenon that has impacted every sphere of human endeavour and said the book’s focus on security cooperation could not have come at a more appropriate time.

The event was attended by senior security officials and policymakers, including the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, represented by the FCT Commissioner of Police.

The book was formally launched by Hon. Tayo Odumuyiwa, who supported the publication with a donation of N20 million, underscoring growing recognition of the need for fresh thinking and stronger cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security crisis.

Interagency Rivalry Fuelling Nigeria’s Insecurity, NSCDC Commandant Warns

Troops Discover, Safely Detonate New Type of IED Along Dikwa–Marte Road

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have discovered and safely detonated a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Dikwa–Marte Main Supply Route (MSR) in Borno State.

Military sources disclosed that the explosive device was discovered on June 17 by troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade during a routine perimeter patrol ahead of their location along the strategic road corridor.

According to the sources, the suspicious object was detected at a location between Dikwa and Marte, prompting immediate deployment of the Brigade’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

The EOD specialists subsequently conducted an in-situ detonation of the device, successfully neutralising the threat without any casualties or damage to personnel and equipment.

Security sources revealed that preliminary examination of the explosive indicated a new and unusual design different from previously encountered IEDs in the theatre of operations.

Unlike conventional devices often buried beneath the ground or concealed along road shoulders, the newly discovered explosive was reportedly placed on the surface and fitted with a handle-like attachment.

The sources said the design appeared intended to lure unsuspecting persons into picking up the object, with detonation programmed to occur upon physical contact.

“The device represents an emerging threat pattern. It was not buried like the usual roadside IEDs but deliberately positioned on the surface and fitted with a handle that could tempt individuals to pick it up, thereby triggering an explosion,” a military source explained.

The development has prompted renewed caution among troops and residents operating within conflict-affected areas of the North-East.

Military authorities urged members of the public to avoid touching suspicious objects and to immediately report any unusual items or movements to security agencies.

The successful detection and neutralisation of the explosive, according to security analysts, underscores the growing effectiveness of counter-IED measures being implemented by Operation HADIN KAI in its ongoing campaign against terrorist elements.

Meanwhile, military authorities said the general security situation across the North-East theatre remained relatively calm but unpredictable, noting that troops have continued to maintain a high state of vigilance against terrorist activities.

The command also expressed satisfaction with the morale and combat readiness of troops deployed across various sectors of the theatre.

Operation HADIN KAI has continued to sustain offensive and counter-terrorism operations aimed at degrading the capabilities of insurgent groups and safeguarding critical routes, communities and military installations across the North-East region.

Troops Discover, Safely Detonate New Type of IED Along Dikwa–Marte Road