NSCDC stands for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. It’s a paramilitary agency under the Nigerian Ministry of Interior, and Its purpose is to protect national assets and infrastructure, such as pipelines, power stations, and government buildings.
READ ALSO: The Full Meaning Of ICPC And Its Functions
History of NSCDC
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is an important paramilitary organization in Nigeria, created to protect the country and its citizens from threats and attacks. Its history goes back to May 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War.
At that time, it was called the Lagos Civil Defence Committee, and its main job was to inform and protect people in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, during enemy attacks.
The goal was to teach civilians about the dangers of war and how to keep themselves safe, especially since many people in Lagos had little knowledge of what to do in such dangerous situations.
By 1970, this group became the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. From the beginning, the NSCDC focused on educating people about how to protect themselves.
The corps used radio, TV, and newspapers to explain what to do in case of air raids, bomb attacks, and other dangers. For example, they taught people how to recognize bombs and how to find safety during bomb explosions.
In 1984, the NSCDC became a national security organization, expanding its responsibilities to cover the entire country. By 1988, the government restructured the corps and established commands across all states, including the new capital, Abuja.
This restructuring helped the NSCDC grow stronger and take on more important roles in national security. The NSCDC officially became a statutory agency on June 28, 2003, when an act passed by the National Assembly was signed into law by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
This law gave the corps the legal power to act against anyone committing crimes that threaten the security of the nation. The corps was also authorized to carry firearms to help in its duties, making it an even more effective force for protecting Nigeria.
As an organization, the NSCDC helps keep Nigeria safe from both internal and external threats. Its mission is to safeguard the country, prevent disasters, and protect the well-being of all Nigerians.
READ ALSO: Complete List Of Ministers Of Power In Nigeria
What Are The Primary Functions Of NSCDC?
Here are the primary functions of the NSCDC:
Protection Of Lives And Property:
The NSCDC works to protect citizens and their property from crime, vandalism, and other threats. They provide security during public events or emergencies, ensuring public safety.
Disaster Management:
The NSCDC manages both natural and man-made disasters, collaborating with organizations like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist in rescue operations and offer support to affected communities during crises like floods or fires.
Monitoring Infrastructure:
The NSCDC monitors important facilities such as oil pipelines, power plants, and water supply systems. Their presence helps prevent criminal activities like vandalism and sabotage, which could harm essential services.
Community Engagement:
The NSCDC engages with communities to raise awareness about safety and security. They conduct educational programs to teach citizens how to report suspicious activities and take safety precautions.
Collaboration With Other Agencies:
The NSCDC works alongside other security and emergency agencies, including the police and NEMA as we’ve said. This collaboration ensures a coordinated and efficient response during crises, helping to protect lives and property.
NSCDC Departments And Units
The NSCDC has several directorates responsible for its operations.
These include:
- Directorate of Administration
- Directorate of Disaster Management
- Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation
- Directorate of Operations
- Directorate of Technical Service
- Directorate of Critical Infrastructure and National Assets
NSCDC Zones
| Zone | State Command |
|---|---|
| Zone A | Lagos State Command |
| Zone B | Kaduna State Command, Kano State Command, Katsina State Command, Jigawa State Command |
| Zone C | Niger State Command, Zamfara State Command, Sokoto State Command, Kebbi State Command, Kwara State Command |
| Zone D | Imo State Command, Abia State Command, Akwa Ibom Command, Cross River State Command, Ebonyi State Command, Enugu State Command, Rivers State Command |
| Zone E | Ogun State Command, Osun State Command, Ekiti State Command, Ondo State Command, Oyo State Command |
| Zone F | Edo State Command, Anambra State Command, Delta State Command, Bayelsa State Command |
| Zone G | Benue State Command, Nassarawa State Command, Plateau State Command, Taraba State Command, Kogi State Command |
READ ALSO: List Of Ministers Of Innovation, Science, And Technology In Nigeria
Who Is The Current Commandant General Of NSCDC?
The current Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi. Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga Town, Nasarawa State, Dr. Audi has built a strong reputation over the years due to his dedication and knowledge of security matters.
Dr. Audi started his early education at Kofar Kudu Primary School in Nasarawa town, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1981. He then attended Government Teachers’ College, Jengre, earning a Teachers’ Grade II Certificate in 1987.
He further obtained a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1992 from the College of Education, Akwanga, and later a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1995.
After completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in 1996, Dr. Audi pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Calabar, which he completed in 2001.
His thirst for knowledge led him to obtain a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in 2014, with a focus on Public Policy Analysis. He further specialized by getting another degree in Public Administration.
Dr. Audi’s career in the NSCDC began in 1996 when he joined as a volunteer. Over time, he held different key roles in different states, including serving as a Divisional Officer in Lafia and Obi Local Government Areas.
In 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Commandant of the Corps and was appointed to handle administrative matters at the National Headquarters.
By 2016, he became a Zonal Commander, overseeing the NSCDC Zone ‘C’ Headquarters, Bauchi, where he managed operations across the Northeast states.
He also completed numerous local and international training programs to improve his skills in handling corruption, economic crime, disaster management, and infrastructure protection. These include courses in the UK, Russia, and Dubai, among others.