The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to step up and enhance prompt intelligence in the discharge of its statutory mandate to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
Speaking at a decoration ceremony, the minister applauded the efforts of the NSCDC in enhancing national security through the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as lives and property.
He reiterated the need to map out intelligence strategies to confront emerging threats to peace and national development.
Reflecting on the additional responsibility of protecting Very Important Personalities (VIPs), formerly vested in the Nigeria Police Force, he charged the newly promoted senior officers and the entire personnel of the Corps to justify the confidence reposed in the Service by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, GCFR.
He noted that the senior officers’ promotion, which was merit-based, is aimed at boosting morale for effective discharge of duties, especially as all the services under the ministry had suffered stagnation in the past.
He assured all personnel that the Board of Interior was ready to grant requests that will translate into outstanding performance and diligence to duty.
The Interior Minister was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), retired Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin.
Earlier, the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, tasked the officers on the need to mentor their subordinates, calling on them to embrace the new leadership responsibilities ahead.