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Tag: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps

  • Ministry harps on environmental law enforcement

    The Lagos State Government has resolved is partnering  the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for the enforcement of environmental laws.

    The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti made this known when he received the Commandant, Lagos Command, of the Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Tajudeen Balogun, in his Office.

    Durosinmi-Etti said the enforcement was necessary to achieve a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and prevent epidemics in the city.

    He said Lagos had strengthened its regulatory agencies, such as the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) to enforce compliance to standard and regulations, and curb unsanitary behaviour.

    The commissioner said  monitoring, enforcement and compliance of the law had improved. He praised the NSCDC for the deal.

    His words: “Through the support of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, we have achieved a lot over the years and we want to solicit more to achieve cleaner, healthier, safer and liveable Lagos.”

    Balogun assured of his command’s support to the government, saying that the  government and NSCDC in  forestalling environmental disasters through the enforcement of environmental laws.

    He commended the Ministry for  ensuring a healthier and cleaner environment.

  • Experts laud synergy between Lagos and security agencies

    Security experts on Friday lauded the existing synergy between law enforcement agencies in Lagos State, saying the partnership had helped in curtailing crime in the state.

    In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the security experts said the collaboration among the agencies was evident in the joint operations and crime fighting emergencies.

    The experts noted that besides common crimes such as cult activities, traffic robbery, domestic violence and rape, Lagos did not experience serious crimes such as armed or bank robbery in recent time due to the initiative.

    They were, however, united in their view that Lagos remained vulnerable to attacks from the waterways through which hoodlums from neighbouring states sailed in to perpetrate heinous crimes.

    The experts, therefore, called for joint marine patrols of Lagos numerous waterways and more security synergy with adjoining Ogun and Ondo states.

    Mr Dipo Kehinde, a security expert, noted the high level of intelligence sharing among security operatives in Lagos, resulting in joint operations and raiding of criminals’ hideouts whenever the need arose.

    “From what we can see on the ground, I think a good relationship exists between security agencies and it is manifesting in the success being recorded in crime fighting in Lagos State.

    “The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Edgar Imohimi, has been very proactive and he showed right from the start that he wanted to partner with all stakeholders.

    “He collaborated with the Oadua Peoples Congress (OPC) and other vigilance groups to end the Badoo cult menace in Ikorodu,” Kehinde said.

    He noted that the community policing initiative of the present Police High Command was also enhanced by the involvement of vigilante and neighbourhood watchers in the security apparatus of the state.

    “The vigilance groups are playing major role in community policing in Lagos, particularly OPC and the newly-inaugurated Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps.

    “There is Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in every area and division of the state. The PCRC usually holds meetings with police Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) where they share intelligence reports.

    “There is also regular information from members of the public to security agents as part of police community relations.

    “Information from the public to security agents, particularly police and the Department of State Services (DSS) is treated with utmost confidentiality. They always accept intelligence reports, analyse and use them accordingly.

    The expert also said that the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were accepting intelligence information from civilians in Lagos State, unlike in the past when people were afraid to give such information.

    “But with the introduction of special emergency numbers in the state, no one cares who gives any intelligence reports. For instance, many Badoo boys were arrested based on information received from the public.

    “The emergency toll-free numbers introduced by the police, fire service, and the State Government also made it easy for the public to reach those concerned when there was an emergency,” he added.

    Another security expert, Olawale Oletu, however, blamed the increasing insecurity across the country on the nation’s porous borders, lack of trust in security agents and lack of synergy among security agencies.

    He said that the police, which should be the first contact whenever crime was committed, was also understaffed and not well-funded.

    “I have said it times without number that there is need to do something about our borders. People just come in and go out without any form of documentation.

    “Even when some obviously illegal immigrants are spotted in the country, we fail to inform the necessary authority which I will also blame on lack of trust by the people in security agents.

    He, however, suggested that security agents should undergo periodic training with focus on how to relate with operatives of other security agencies.

    Oletu also suggested that security agencies should be more funded and recruitment should be consistent so that the society could be adequately policed and the borders more secure.

    Mr Mike Sullivan, another expert, also blamed the present insecurity in the country on the porous borders and advised that security agencies utilised locals and build trust with the people to get tangible information.

    “Security agencies should either recruit more hands or utilise the local vigilante in maintenance of law and order in the country,” Sullivan said.

    He, however, commended the Commissioner of Police in the state, Edgal Imohimi, for bridging the gap between the people and the police through community policing.

    He said that police in Lagos, especially the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), should also be commended for fostering synergy with other security agencies whenever there was an emergency.

    NAN reports that Lagos State has 130 police divisions and 35 Area Commands. The state is also home to 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Western Naval Command and the Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command.

    Among other security breaches experienced in Lagos, the experts said, were violation of traffic laws by motorists, especially commercial drivers, causing gridlocks at bus stops.

    Closely related to this is the menace of Agberos (road transport workers) who constitute nuisance to commuters, they said.

    MR Jide Ogungbe, Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), said that the agency had robust relationship with sister security agencies.

    Ogungbe, a Superintendent of Immigration, said the command had recently organised a capacity building programme for all the divisional immigration officers where officials of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, served as resource persons.

    Rotimi Oladokun, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Lagos State Command, said there was excellent synergy between the service and sister security agencies in the state.

    Oladokun said that the synergy had brought about a regular monthly interaction between the Controller of Prisons in the state, Tunde Ladipo and the heads of other security agencies in the state.

  • Security in Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara collaborate to tackle crime

    Security agencies in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states say they are collaborating to tackle criminality in their areas of operation.

    The formations that include; Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) and NDLEA, told the News men that they were conducting joint security operations and sharing intelligence information on criminals to enable them to effectively combat crime.

    The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Mr Murtala Mani, said his command had effective collaboration with all security agencies in the state.

    Mani said through the command’s Spokesman, Cordelia Nwawe, that although the state was largely peaceful, it was working with other agencies on crime mapping and surveillance.

    “We have working synergy with Army, NSCDC, NDLEA, DSS and vigilance groups on tackling incidences of cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes.’’

    He said armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnappings occurred mostly in Raba, Goronyo, Isa and Illela local government areas of the state.

    He, however, said that the cases were being effectively curtailed with combined efforts of other security agencies and communities.

    Also, Mr Babangida Dutsinma, State Commandant of NSDC in the state, said four security agencies were jointly conducting a special operation code-named ‘Operation Harmony’, in areas with high crime records in the state.

    Dutsinma said the NSCDC enjoyed massive support from the Army, Police, the Prisons Service and Immigration Service, using their facilities and officers for the training of its personnel.

    On its part, the police said a joint operation between security agencies in the state had resulted in dismantling many criminal gangs.

    The Spokesman of  the Police Command in the state, DSP Mohammed Shehu, said all the security agencies in the area were partnering to curtail crime.

    Mr David Abi, Commandant of NSCDC in the state, told the News men that the inter agency cooperation shared in the state was “marvellous,’’ adding that they ran “joint patrols with strong sense of patriotism, understanding, discipline and respect for one another.”

    Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kaduna State,Mr Orndiir Terzengwe, said collaboration between the various security agencies had helped to tackle incidences of kidnapping and armed robbery along Kaduna – Abuja Express way, Kaduna- Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna-Zaria and Kaduna – Jos Road, and within some urban centres across the state.

    “Continuous joint raids of suspected black spots by NDLEA, NSCDC, Police and others, are gradually reducing consumption of hard drugs among youths, which is believed to be largely responsible for youth indulging in different crimes.

    Read Also: USAID partners Sokoto, Bauchi on primary health care

    “In situations where conventional security operatives are not available, vigilance groups’ effect arrest or assist security agencies with information on the whereabouts of suspected criminals, they render intelligence assistance.

    “The Espirit de Corps is commendable but there is need to improve on what is obtainable,’’ Terzengwe.

    Muhktar Aliyu, spokesman of the state Police Command, identified some security breaches in the state to include kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, activities of thugs and bandits.

    Aliyu said such crimes were being handled through effective joint patrols and operations.

    In Katsina State, the security agencies said they were holding regular meetings under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioner where they were appraising security issues and adopting strategies to confront them.

    Isah Gambo, spokesman of the state police command in the state, said they were conducting joint security patrols and operations, and sharing intelligence information to safeguard lives and property.

    Gambo disclosed that the command had set up a community policing unit to coordinate and set guidelines for communities engaged in providing security for their localities.

    According to him, a community policing committee has been going round the 34 local governments areas and discussing with community leaders on their security challenges with a view to addressing them.

    Sanusi Muazu, the Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service in the state, also said that the service had developed a strong synergy with all the security agencies operating in the state.

    Muazu said that they were working with the military, police and other security agencies, sharing intelligence information to ensure full protection of lives and property.

    NAN

  • NSCDC boss urges personnel to partner with sister security agencies

    The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Mr Abdullahi Muhammadu, has urged personnel of the corps to work with other security agencies to provide security during the Easter celebrations.

    Muhammadu gave the directive in Abuja while addressing the Christian Faithful on the need to live in peace and unity with adherents of other faiths during the festive period, irrespective of religious differences.

    He also warned the corps personnel against any form of sabotage and crisis between them and sister agencies over issues that could be avoided.

    “Personnel are warned against any act of confrontation with personnel of sister agencies and members of the public.

    “Personnel are urged to always remember the Corps’ principle of no compromise while discharging their duties and should avoid the use of force and coercive language on the populace whom they are supposed to protect,” he said.

    The commandant-general stressed that partnership and collaboration was very pertinent as all the security agencies were working toward the single goal of protecting the society against insecurity.

    Read Also: NSCDC uncovers shrine in Kwara, arrest two

    He further warned that any officer or Command found wanting would be sanctioned appropriately.

    Muhammadu advised parents to warn their wards to desist from any acts that would violate to the law.

    “Vandals and saboteurs capitalise on festive periods to carry out their criminal acts.

    “The law is no respecter of anyone, therefore, anyone caught will face the long arm of the law,” he said.

    The commandant-general who relocated to the North-East since the abduction of the Dapchi schoolgirls, also urged Christians to pray for peace in the country as well as the release of the remaining Dapchi girls.

    NAN

  • UTME hitch-free in Enugu, says NSCDC

    The just-concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ( UTME ) has been hitch-free in the 21 centres around Enugu state.‎

    This was disclosed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command. ‎
    ‎
    The 21 UTME Computer Base Test (CBT) centres in Enugu State was concluded on March 13.

    NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Steve Amoga ‎disclosed this while speaking with reporters in Enugu on Thursday

    Amoga who was speaking on the general over-view of the 2018 UTME exercise compared with previous years noted that the 21 centres were fully manned by armed officers to ensure that external bodies and hoodlums do not interfere in any of the centres.

    “While the examination lasted, we provided a water-tight security at the centres and worked in close relationship with JAMB officials on ground in each of the state.

    “I personally monitored the exercise up till on Thursday, when it ended, and there was no serious security breach recorded so far,’’ he said.

    The commandant, however, noted that absenteeism and late coming was highly noticed this year than previous years.

    “At times, you find out the Computer Base Test (CBT) is half full and some of the candidates arrive very late to the centres,’’ he said.

    He noted that absenteeism and late coming could be checked if many candidates participate in the mock JAMB exercise before the real exercise.

    Amoga also urged the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to engage the services of the NSCDC in order to ensure orderliness, check externalities and malpractice during their examinations.

    ‎

  • Splash FM Marathon: Pam says will reclaim title from Stephen

    Deborah Pam, a 2013 and 2015 gold medallist at the Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon says she will reclaim the race’s title from the 2017 winner, Hudung Stephen, describing her as not being her match.

    The 42km race is scheduled for April 8 in Ibadan.

    Pam told the News men on Wednesday in Lagos that though Stephen who is her training partner won the race in 2017, she doesn’t stand a chance of clinching gold in the 2018 edition.

    “My target for the race is to regain my title. Hudung who won it last year doesn’t stand a chance beside me; she won it because I didn’t participate last year due to injury.

    “Although she is my training partner, she is not close to my time. I won it in 2013 and 2015 and I am ready to win it in 2018. I have been training and I pray that all goes well,’’ she said.

    Read Also: Bank supports read aloud marathon to improve reading culture

    Pam, a staff of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also said that the Armed Forces Games scheduled for April 7 in Abuja would not deter her from participating in the Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon.

    “When I finish competing on April 7 after the race in the morning, I will take a flight down to Ibadan to participate in the race.

    “It is no big deal, though some people will be of the opinion that I will be tired. Tiredness is not in my dictionary because I have been training before now,’’ she said.

    The news men reports that Philibus Sharabutu emerged first position in the male category at the 2017 edition with a time of 2:36:46secs, while Hudung Stephen returned a time of 3:08:37secs to win the female category.

    Pam, one of Nigeria’s leading female marathoner, in 2015 won the women’s category with a time of 3:03:23sec, bettering the 3:06:51 she set in 2013.

    NAN

  • NSCDC deploys 500 personnel to schools in Borno

    NSCDC deploys 500 personnel to schools in Borno

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Borno Command, on Friday said it had deployed 500 personnel to enhance security in public schools in the state.

    The Commandant of the corps, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview with the News men in Maiduguri.

    Abdullahi said that the personnel were deployed to seven of the 22 liberated local government areas of the state.

    He explained that the measure was part of efforts to enhance security for pupils and teachers in the schools.

    He also said that the deployment was in line with the directives of the corps’ Commander-General, Mr Abdullahi Gana, that schools in the North-East be provided with security and protected.

    Read Also: Dambazau directs relocation of IGP, NSCDC boss to North-East

    According to him, the command was working in collaboration with other security agencies in order to ensure protection of lives and property.

    He said, “Following the incident of abduction of school girls in Yobe, the Command Headquarters directed immediate deployment of personnel to schools in the state.

    “This include special armed, counter terrorism and anti-riot squad, bomb detection and disposal unit, intelligence, detective as well as rescue and medical teams,” he said.

    NAN

  • From wheelbarrow pusher to Civil Defence commandant

    From wheelbarrow pusher to Civil Defence commandant

    His is the typical grass-to-grace story. He lost his parents at age three. With no one to help as he grew, he started pushing wheelbarrow around, earning meagre sums of money from clients. At a point he learned to ride a motorcycle, and soon became an okada operator. Life seemed harsh, the future bleak.

    Mr Desmond Agu kept pushing, and one day he joined the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as a volunteer. Today he is a commandant in the security agency.

    Commandant Agu is not shy talking about his humble beginnings. His 54th birthday offered another opportunity to relive his experience in the hope that some struggling youth will be inspired and see the bright side of life.

    Agu credited God with his transformation, and demonstrated his joy by showcasing some engaging dance steps. His impressed audience cheered him on.

    Before his deployment to Makurdi, Commandant Agu had served as commandant in Plateau and Bayelsa states.

    The birthday celebration and thanksgiving service was held at the NSCDC office in the Federal Secretariat, Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

    The commandant urged Nigerians, especially those struggling with finances, to look up to God with hope.

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 4, Assistant Comptroller of Prisons, Benue State and the Igbo community in Makurdi attended the event. Some described Agu as a workaholic.

    Commandant Agu hails from Imo State and is commandant at the Zone H headquarters of the NSCDC, Makurdi.

  • Controversy over NSCDC promotion

    Controversy over NSCDC promotion

    Following the promotion examination conducted by the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prison Services Board (CDFIPB), the promotion lists are generating controversy.

    Some aggrieved officers staged a protest at the Ministry of Interior over what they described as ‘selective promotion.’

    But, the Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gana Muhammadu, said the Board was statutorily responsible for promotion, appointment and discipline, adding that selective promotion never occurred.

    He expressed shock and disappointment as some senior officers stormed the Ministry of Interior to protest against the promotion lists released by the Board.

    In a statement issued by the NSCDC spokesman, Emmanuel Okeh, Muhammadu said as a para-military organisation: ”Our watchword focuses on order and discipline. It is wrong for Officers to storm the Ministry of Interior and Board to protest as there is laid down procedures for them to express and channel their grievances. Before people should react to issues, they should first, understand the issues well. The examinations were conducted for Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Personnel at the same time and the promotion lists released simultaneously.

    “The Commandant General has sent words to placate his aggrieved Officers and Men, disclosing that the Minister of Interior has approved that NSCDC write another promotion exam before April 30, 2018. He is calling for calm promising that the concerns of Officers and Men will be addressed. He assured that other good packages meant for Officers and Men will be released to them shortly.”

  • NSCDC recovers N23.2m debts in Jigawa in 2017

    NSCDC recovers N23.2m debts in Jigawa in 2017

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Jigawa Command, said it had recovered about N23.2 million as debts from some residents of the state between January and December 2017.

    The Spokesman of the command, DSC Adamu Shehu, disclosed this in Dutse on Wednesday.

    Shehu said that the amount was recovered following complaints the command received from aggrieved creditors within the period under review.

    He explained that between January and March, the command recovered N3,934,485 as debt, while N6,307,620 was recovered between April and June.

    Read also: NSCDC arrests 26 suspects for various offences

    The spokesman added that between July and September, N7,018,625 was recovered by the corps, and N5,965,095 was recovered between October and December.

    According to him, the command’s Peace and Conflict Management Unit ( PCMU ) has amicably resolved disagreements between the debtors and their creditors.

    Shehu said the command had handed over the recovered funds to their owners after the resolution of the disagreements.

    He reiterated the determination of the corps to continue to ensure that residents of the state lived in peace and harmony.

    NAN