NSCDC CG tasks governors on more robust, inclusive security strategies

By Mosunmola Ayobami

The Commandant General (CG) of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has called on State Governors to adopt more robust and inclusive approaches in stepping up security.

Audi said the state governments have greater roles to play in providing maximum support that will help in curbing attacks and criminalities in states.

The Commandant General made this call when he played host to the governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, at the Corps’ National Headquarters, Abuja.

He reiterated that insecurity in the country took an asymmetric form almost two decades ago and that it must not be allowed to spread further.

The NSCDC boss said effective security is sacrosanct to the Corps and strategies are constantly being deployed to ensure that criminality is reduced drastically.

He assured the Governor and the people of Katsina state of the Corps’ commitment to curbing insecurity by employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieving results.

Audi noted that the Corps would continue to ensure security of lives and protection of critical national assets and Infrastructure in the state.

“I want to use this medium to call on State Governors who are the chief security officers of their various states to adopt more robust and inclusive approaches in stepping up security.

“I understand that Katsina State had experienced some bandit attacks in the last couple of years.

“Its vulnerability which is partly due to its big size and geographical location as a state bordering other states in the North and the Niger Republic is of great concern.

“But be rest assured that with the on-going recruitment in the Corps, more men would be deployed to Katsina to strengthen security in the state,” the CG hinted.

“Sometimes, these bandits come out from their hiding, hit a target and run back to hiding; leaving a devastating effect on both lives and property.

“We have our Special Forces and with scientific collaborations with other security agencies, the attacks will come to an end very soon.

“No single agency can tackle insecurity, hence, the need for a more inclusive operational strategy to end the menace,”he said.

In his response, Katsina State Governor stated that his visit was to further solidify the existing cordial relationship between the Corps and Katsina State Government.

“You have have been very supportive in addressing the issues of insecurity disturbing our people.

“Katsina is one of the states suffering from bandit attacks and other forms of criminalities.

“I have therefore come to solicit for more cooperation and to see how we can collaborate in bringing peace to our state,” he said.

The Governor lamented the inadequate number of personnel across security services which has impeded the expected success in the fight against insecurity.

He explained that the state has trained and engaged the service of about one thousand five hundred (1,500) indigenes to assist the conventional security agencies in the state.

“I believe with the engagement of the locals in the form of civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), combined with the conventional security, we will go a long way in combating insecurity and reduce it to the barest minimum,” Radda said.