The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, says the corps is fully prepared to provide security for Very Important Persons despite its current manpower challenges.
Audi gave the assurance on Tuesday during the CG’s quarterly meeting with senior officers at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, although the corps has a workforce of about 63,000 personnel, it remains committed to carrying out the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
“The corps has keyed professionally to the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President to ensure the protection of Nigerians and all Critical National Asset and Infrastructure. Despite our size, we are not complaining as this assignment is one the corps is ready to tackle and it is a welcome idea,” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that President Tinubu, through his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, recently announced that VIPs requiring official protection must now obtain well armed personnel from the NSCDC.
Audi explained that the meeting with senior officers was aimed at discussing strategies and modalities for effective VIP protection. He added that the corps will hold engagements with stakeholders at different levels to determine the best approach to delivering on the new mandate.
He noted that NSCDC personnel have long been involved in VIP protection roles alongside other security agencies, adding that many officers, particularly special forces, receive military grade training.
The CG further revealed that the ongoing recruitment exercise by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board will help strengthen the corps’ manpower capacity.
Audi charged state commandants and heads of formations to demonstrate commitment and efficiency in their assignments, warning that officers who fail to take their responsibilities seriously will face sanctions.
“We will strengthen the monitoring mechanism on the performance of heads of formations nationwide with a view to checking what they do and assessing them,” he said.