The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, on Thursday identified terrorism, banditry and kidnapping as Nigeria’s most pressing security threats as he announced plans to upgrade the newly commissioned Tactical Training Ground and Obstacle Course at the Corps’ Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
He said strengthening personnel training and intelligence-led operations remains critical to tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.
“This training ground will be upgraded to a standard level. As it is today, facilities of this nature can only be found in our training schools, with perhaps one or two commands having something similar. This is an excellent innovation and a laudable initiative,” he said.
Speaking during the commissioning of the facility at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters in Abuja, Audi said the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had directed the Corps to commence the process of upgrading the training ground to a standard facility, describing the project as a strategic investment in building a more professional, technologically driven and operationally prepared workforce capable of responding effectively to emerging threats.
He said while terrorism, banditry and kidnapping remain major security concerns, cybercrime, oil theft, illegal mining, vandalism of critical national assets and communal conflicts are among the major threats confronting the country, stressing that only a highly trained and motivated workforce could effectively tackle them.
The Commandant General described the project as more than the unveiling of a physical structure, saying it symbolised the Corps’ commitment to strengthening operational capacity and preparing personnel for modern security challenges.
“This occasion represents far more than the commissioning of a physical structure. It is a celebration of vision, commitment and strategic investment in the future of the Corps. It reflects our determination to build a professionally competent, intelligence-driven and operationally effective organisation capable of responding to increasingly complex internal security challenges,” Audi stated.
According to him, training and retraining have become strategic operational performance indicators under his administration, with personnel expected to continually improve their skills through specialised courses in intelligence gathering, investigation, disaster management, cybersecurity, weapons handling, human rights, conflict management, leadership, VIP protection and critical national infrastructure protection.
Audi also reiterated the Corps’ commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in strengthening internal security through intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.
Drawing parallels with global experiences in tackling prolonged asymmetric conflicts, the NSCDC boss said no security agency could effectively confront contemporary security threats in isolation.
“The only strategy that has worked globally is collaboration, cooperation and coordination among security agencies. No service has a monopoly of security strategy. We must continue to work together if we are to overcome these threats,” he said.
He noted that the NSCDC continues to leverage the expertise of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, in training its personnel, describing the Corps as “a child of the military” with strong institutional ties.
Commending the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, Audi said the facility demonstrated visionary leadership and reflected the philosophy of repositioning and rejuvenating the Corps.
“I am proud of what the FCT Command has achieved. It is only what you have that you can give, and the Commandant has demonstrated exceptional commitment to training and operational excellence,” he added.
Audi said the Corps had prioritised personnel welfare through regular promotions, expanded training opportunities, improved medical support, housing initiatives, insurance benefits and enhanced reward systems.
He urged officers posted to the FCT, being the nation’s capital and seat of government, to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and operational readiness.
“As you train on this facility, remember that every exercise undertaken here is ultimately aimed at protecting the lives, property and freedom of Nigerians. Train with discipline, integrity and professionalism,” he charged.
Earlier, the FCT Commandant, Odumosu, described the facility as the fulfilment of a long-held vision to better prepare officers for the increasingly complex security environment within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the project was conceived out of the need to invest in personnel development, noting that the effectiveness of any security organisation depends not only on its equipment but on the quality of training received by its personnel.
He said the tactical training ground would expose officers to realistic operational exercises, including obstacle crossing, endurance drills, tactical movement, rescue simulations, disaster response, search-and-rescue operations, combat fitness and leadership development.
“This facility is a strategic investment in operational readiness. Every officer who trains here will leave stronger, more confident and more disciplined to provide better security services to residents of the FCT,” Odumosu said.
He commended the Commandant General for approving the project and providing strategic direction throughout its execution, while describing his administration as one that has prioritised infrastructure, staff welfare, professionalism and intelligence-led operations.
Odumosu also appreciated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting security agencies and creating an enabling environment for improved collaboration in Abuja.
He further acknowledged the contributions of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, CGC Nigeria Limited, Setraco Nigeria Limited, Datum Construction Nigeria Limited, SCC Self Compacting Concrete, CCECC Quarry, Zeberced and other partners whose financial and technical support facilitated the completion of the project.
Delivering a goodwill message, Commander of the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Olusola Onasanya, described the commissioning as a historic milestone, saying the FCT Command had demonstrated that meaningful change begins with visionary leadership backed by action.
He recalled inviting the FCT Commandant to observe an obstacle-crossing competition organised by the Guards Brigade, after which Odumosu pledged to replicate a similar facility within the command.
“It takes a great mind to initiate change and an even greater mind to execute it. Today, we are all witnesses to the fulfilment of that vision,” Onasanya said.
He praised the Commandant for investing significantly in the welfare and training of personnel and urged officers to reciprocate by supporting his leadership.
The senior military officer also commended the sustained synergy among security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, saying collaboration had contributed significantly to improvements in the security situation across Abuja and its environs.
Activities held during the inauguration include a silent drill display by the quarter guard, obstacle-crossing competition, tug-of-war contest involving security personnel, presentation of awards and prizes, as well as the formal unveiling of the tactical training ground and obstacle course.
In attendance were senior military officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, development partners and other stakeholders.
(The Whistler)
