The Commandant of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General A.O. Balogun, has reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat crime and protect critical national assets in Edo State.
Balogun gave the assurance on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, at the Corps’ State Command Headquarters in Benin City.
The Brigade Commander, who was received with a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the NSCDC, commended the cordial working relationship between both security agencies, describing it as one that has continued to produce positive results in the fight against criminality.
He appreciated the Commandant and his management team for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage, stressing that cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the NSCDC has remained beneficial to national security.
Balogun traced the partnership between both organisations to the year 2000, recalling his role as a member of the 4th Battalion that trained the first set of NSCDC personnel.
According to him, the dedication, discipline and commitment displayed by the pioneer officers convinced him that the Corps would evolve into a formidable security institution.
The Brigade Commander also noted that throughout his military career, his engagements with NSCDC officers had been professional and rewarding.
He disclosed that whenever the Nigerian Army apprehends suspects involved in offences that fall within the statutory mandate of the NSCDC, such suspects are transferred to the Corps for further investigation and prosecution where necessary.
Balogun assured the Commandant that the Army would continue to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations with the NSCDC to deny criminals any safe haven in Edo State.
Responding, Commandant Ayinla welcomed the Brigade Commander and his delegation, describing the visit as another demonstration of the strong partnership between the two security organisations.
He recalled that the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the NSCDC dates back several decades, noting that the Corps played supportive civil defence roles during the Nigerian Civil War through public safety enlightenment and assistance in caring for wounded soldiers.
The Commandant described the relationship between the Army and the NSCDC as that of “a father and son,” founded on mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Ayinla pledged that the Edo State Command would continue to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Army through intelligence sharing, joint training, operational support and other initiatives aimed at enhancing inter-agency cooperation in the fight against crime across the state.
