By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi as the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for a fresh five-year term, effective Friday, February 27, 2026.
In an official signed statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that Dr Audi will resume his duties on Monday with a renewed mandate to further reposition the Corps and enhance its role in national security.
Dr Audi, who was first appointed to lead the Corps in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, completed his initial five-year term last Friday while participating in activities marking the 2026 World Civil Defence Day at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. President Tinubu charged him to elevate the NSCDC’s contribution to national security, particularly as the Nigeria Police refocuses on its core responsibilities of protecting citizens from bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists.
Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga Town, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Dr Audi’s educational trajectory reflects a lifelong commitment to knowledge and service. After completing his early education in Nasarawa State, he earned a Teachers’ Grade II Certificate from Teachers’ College, Jengre in 1987, followed by a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the College of Education, Akwanga in 1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1995), a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Calabar (2001), a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2014), and a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (MLCJ) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2019).
Dr Audi began his career with the NSCDC in November 1996 as a volunteer, completing his basic officer training in 1997 before being deployed as a Divisional Officer in Obi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. Over the years, he has served in multiple state commands, rising steadily through the ranks. In 2007, he was promoted to Commandant of the Corps and subsequently transferred to the office of the Commandant-General at the National Headquarters in Abuja, where he has continued to provide strategic leadership.
The reappointment signals continuity and confidence in Dr Audi’s leadership, reinforcing the NSCDC’s mandate to safeguard lives, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen civil defence mechanisms nationwide.
