The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi, has unveiled a comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening national security, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing professionalism within the Corps.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with commanding officers from state formations, Audi described the gathering as both historic and strategic, marking the beginning of the second phase of his leadership following his reappointment.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving his reappointment and to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for recommending him.
According to him, the renewed mandate offers an opportunity to consolidate reforms and reposition the Corps for greater efficiency and national relevance.
Reflecting on his previous tenure, Audi highlighted reforms introduced to address internal challenges, particularly staff stagnation, which had affected morale among personnel. He noted that efforts were made to clear promotion delays and salary arrears, with ongoing work through a presidential committee handling outstanding payments across government agencies.
The Commandant-General also emphasised capacity building, revealing that the Corps has developed a standardised training curriculum for its institutions to strengthen professionalism and operational discipline.
He added that senior officers have been sponsored to attend leadership programmes, including courses at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), aimed at enhancing leadership and policy competence.
“Training remains central to discipline, professionalism and productivity,” he said, noting that retraining and ethical reorientation would be prioritised in the next phase of his leadership.
Audi also highlighted operational successes, particularly in combating oil theft and illegal mining. He disclosed that the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad has dismantled over 400 illegal refineries, arrested more than 1,000 suspects, and secured between 400 and 500 convictions.
He added that the Mining Marshals initiative has shut down over 1,000 illegal mining sites nationwide and led to the arrest and prosecution of numerous offenders, including foreign nationals.
The NSCDC boss said these achievements were driven by collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, and partnerships with private sector stakeholders.
He noted that the Corps has expanded its infrastructure, constructing new command facilities and deploying modern surveillance and communication equipment across formations.
Audi further disclosed plans to establish a hydrocarbon and maritime surveillance centre in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, alongside an ICT centre expected to be completed in the coming months.
As part of the new strategy, the Corps will deploy advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and drone surveillance, to improve monitoring and protection of critical national assets.
He outlined key priorities for the next five years, including strengthening discipline, expanding training programmes, deploying modern technology, and enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure.
The Commandant-General also announced plans to create specialised units focused on safeguarding power infrastructure and addressing vandalism in the electricity sector.
He warned that the Corps would maintain zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct among personnel, stressing the need for adherence to professional standards.
“We must restore professionalism and discipline. Any conduct outside our code will not be tolerated,” he said.
Audi urged officers to remain committed to protecting national assets and to deepen collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Michael Olugbode
Follow us on:
