Abuja NSCDC Graduates 135 Personnel In Arms Training, Vows To Boost Security In FCT

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has graduated 135 personnel from its 2024 Batch ‘A’ Basic Arms Training.

The passing out parade was held on Tuesday at the Command’s headquarters in Abuja.

Representing the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Director of the Department of Security Service, FCTA, Mr. Adamu Gwary, commended the Command’s efforts in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

He noted the importance of the newly trained personnel, stating, “With this type of training, the threats to critical infrastructure will be a thing of the past. We trust that these personnel will strengthen the security of the FCT.”

Commandant of the NSCDC FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, while celebrating the event as a milestone for the Command, stated that this was the first time the arms training program had been conducted entirely in-house.

Odumosu expressed gratitude to Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi for approving and supporting the program, stating that retraining the personnel was essential for addressing emerging security challenges.

Odumosu said, “For us at the FCT Command, this is historic in the sense that all previous arms training programmes of the Command’s personnel are either done at our various training schools or by sister agencies. But today, we are presenting to you officers who have been retrained for weapons handling by the Training Department of the Command.

“I would like to thank our Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, Mni, for his approval of this programme, immense support and empowering us to function optimally as a Command. In line with the core mandates of the NSCDC which include, but not limited to the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and the protection of lives and property in general, it becomes imperative to train and retrain our personnel to be able to stand up to emerging security challenges bedeviling our dear country.

“Consequently, a total of 135 personnel were retrained and equipped with the knowledge and skills in weapon handling through months of rigorous regimentation defined by global standards.

“These ones are ready to be engaged. This is a worthy step taken to curb the challenges of vandalism and other vices hampering the peace and development of the Federal Capital Territory in particular, and the Nation as a whole.”

The training, which focused on weapon handling and regimentation, equipped the personnel to combat vandalism and other criminal activities.

Odumosu disclosed that the Command had arrested over 120 persons for vandalism and theft this year, and have secured numerous court convictions.

“From January this year till date, the Command has arrested over one hundred and twenty persons suspected to have engaged in vandalizing public facilities and theft. Out of these numerous cases, we have secured many court convictions and many a pending,” the commandant stated

While congratulating the graduated personnel, Odumosu reminded them of their duty to uphold professionalism and adhere to the rules of engagement.

“With this new set of trainees, the Command is better positioned to surpass our achievements so far in the fight against vandalism and the protection of lives and property. Let me congratulate the personnel passing out today. That you are standing here today strong and gallant despite the tough exercise, is a sign that FCT can trust you, Nigeria can rely on you for protection. Remember, to whom much is given, much is expected.

“In the discharge of your duties, always remember the rules of engagement, be professional in handling your riffles, protect yourself, protect your riffle, protect lives and property,” he said.

The Commandant also thanked Wike for his continued support, including the provision of operational vehicles and gadgets, which he said have enhanced the Command’s capability to maintain peace and security in the FCT.

“I would like to thank the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Bar. Nyesom Wike for his unalloyed support to the NSCDC FCI Command. His empowerment of the Command through the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles and other operational gadgets has been an immense boost to our capability.

“We would like to assure him of the Command’s commitment on delivering on our mandate towards enhancing peace and security in the FCT. We will continue to count on his support,” he added.

He further expressed appreciation to the guests present at the event, he said, “to all distinguished guests present here today, we are highly honoured by your presence and solidarity.”

An Award of Excellence was also presented to personnel from the command for their outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties.