By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to significantly upscale intelligence gathering and prompt information sharing as part of renewed efforts to confront the disturbing security threats confronting the nation. The call was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the decoration ceremony of 113 newly promoted senior officers of the Corps, during which the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC was also decorated with his new rank of Assistant Commandant of Corps.
The minister, who was represented at the event by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd), commended the NSCDC for its growing role in strengthening national security, particularly through the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as the safeguarding of lives and property across the country. He stressed that the evolving nature of security challenges requires the Corps to deliberately map out robust and proactive intelligence strategies capable of addressing emerging threats to peace, stability and national development.
Dr Tunji-Ojo reminded the newly promoted officers that the additional responsibility of protecting Very Important Personalities, which was formerly handled by the Nigeria Police Force, is a clear indication of the confidence reposed in the NSCDC by the Federal Government. He charged them, alongside the entire personnel of the Corps, to justify this confidence and remain professional, disciplined and committed in the discharge of their statutory duties, in line with the vision of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
According to him, the promotion of the senior officers was strictly merit-based and deliberately designed to boost morale and enhance operational effectiveness, especially against the backdrop of years of stagnation previously experienced across services under the Ministry of Interior. He assured personnel that the Board is willing to support and approve requests that will translate into improved performance, diligence and outstanding service delivery.
Earlier, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, described the decoration ceremony as both a recognition of hard work and a call to higher responsibility. He urged the newly promoted officers to see their elevation as an opportunity to mentor subordinates, build stronger leadership structures and embrace the demands of their new ranks with humility and dedication.
Professor Audi assured officers of timely redeployment in line with operational needs, while warning against lobbying for so-called “juicy” postings. He emphasised that his administration remains meticulous and principled, noting that merit, performance and integrity will continue to guide postings and career progression within the Corps.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ikponmwosa Ekpenyong expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the NSCDC leadership, pledging that the officers would continue to discharge their duties with integrity and professionalism, in strict adherence to the Oath of Allegiance.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the decoration of the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer with his new rank of Assistant Commandant of Corps by the Commandant General. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service. Representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services were present to grace the occasion, underscoring the inter-agency collaboration that continues to define Nigeria’s security architecture.
