The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has inaugurated a week-long retreat and symposium for over 150 armourers and arms commanders drawn from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The retreat, themed “Management of Arms and Ammunition,” aims to bolster professionalism, enforce strict accountability, and eliminate operational rivalries across the command structure.
Opening the event at the Corps’ National Headquarters, Commandant General Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, delivered a stern warning against unprofessional practices.
He stated unequivocally that the administration will enforce maximum penalties for any breach of arms safety protocols or unethical engagement.
“The Corps will deal ruthlessly with any officer involved in illegal dealing in arms and ammunition, such as gun running, arms renting, arms hiring, and borrowing,” Prof. Audi warned.
“Henceforth, the punishment for involvement in illegal arms activity is outright dismissal and prosecution. Personnel are expected to display the highest levels of discipline and operational integrity.”
Prof. Audi further charged the armourers and arms commanders to eliminate inter-departmental friction, stressing that seamless collaboration across all units is essential to achieving the Corps’ primary security mandate.
Earlier, the Commandant of the NSCDC Centre for Civil Defence Studies, Assistant Commandant General (ACG) Opara Charles Kenechukwu, emphasized the critical importance of weapon stewardship in his opening remarks.
He noted that the management of arms is a sacred trust directly linked to national security and public trust.
“Every weapon entrusted to the NSCDC must remain fully accounted for, properly maintained, securely stored, and deployed strictly in accordance with established laws, regulations, and operational procedures,” ACG Opara stated.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from key leadership figures, including Deputy Commandants General Dr. Nnamdi Nwinyi (Intelligence and Investigation), Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, fdc (Technical Services), Pedro Awili Ideba (Crisis Management), and the Commandant of Armament, Michael Eneghela, PhD.
The opening proceedings concluded with special award presentations recognizing exceptional leadership and field operations:
Meritorious Award: Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR
Excellence Awards: DCG Adeyinka Fasiu Ayinla and Acting DCG Lawal Muktar
Outstanding Performance Awards: Commandants and Commanders of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Very Important Persons (VIP) Protection Unit, Mining Marshals, and the Crack Squad.
SIGNED:
BABAWALE AFOLABI, ANIPR
ASSISTANT COMMANDANT OF CORPS
NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO)
NSCDC NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.