Better Case For Civil Defence, Tunji-Ojo Steps In
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has stressed the need for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement in promoting Civil Defence and disaster risk reduction.
The Minister made the call on Monday as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) gave a keynote address commemorating the 2025 International Civil Defence Day Organisation (ICDO).
He decried the world’s witnessing an increase in the frequency and severity of threats, thus highlighting the importance of civil defence in protecting human lives, promoting sustainable development, and protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
The Minister, represented at the Corps’ national headquarters by the Secretary of Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin, explained that the situation underscores the imperative of Civil Defence.
The minister stated that it is imperative that we continue to prioritize civil defence and its efforts, work together to promote a culture of prevention, preparedness, and response, and support the development of resilient communities that can withstand the current security threats.
Corroborating the Minister’s position while delivering the ICDO 2025 message with the theme: Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population, Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, emphasised the need for collaboration and synergy among agencies and other critical stakeholders to make the world safer and more secure.
He assured that NSCDC will continue to strive for effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI)and will not relent in strengthening physical security and sensitising the general public to guarantee the security and well-being of the citizenry.
The CG disclosed that establishing the Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshall, Agro Rangers and Special Female Squad has led to steady successes and achievements by the Corps.
He said SIS has arrested over 500 suspects and destroyed more than 350 illegal refineries, the Special Female Squad has thwarted over 48 kidnapping attempts on schools, and the newly established mining marshall has closed down over 170 illegal mining sites.
The NSCDC boss pledged his determination to uphold personnel welfare. He used the opportunity to symbolically present cheques worth more than N188 million to over 20 next of kin of deceased personnel as insurance benefits.
Speaking earlier in a welcome address, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, DCG Zakari Ningi, noted that ICDO is marked globally every 1st March to raise awareness about the crucial role of Civil Defence Organization in safeguarding communities against natural and man-made disasters, adding that NSCDC is at the fire front in the protection of CNAI, crisis management, regulation of Private Guard Companies and intelligence gathering amongst other.
Representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Major General JO Attah, DIG Frank Mbah mni, and DCGI Ada James Umanah, delivered goodwill messages.
Other highlights of the ICDO celebration in Abuja include a parade and simulation exercises by NSCDC personnel depicting the Corps’s core mandates.
This year’s ICDO was marked at the Corps’s National Headquarters on March 3rd because the 1st of March, which is set aside and marked globally, fell on a weekend.
