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Giant Strides: CSO Applauds NSCDC’s Transformative Drive Within 2 Years Under CG Audi
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A civil society group, the National Coalition Against Terrorism, has lauded the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its remarkable progress under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi. The commendation, delivered in a statement signed by National Coordinator Terrence Kuanum, highlights the significant achievements and reforms initiated by Dr. Audi over the past two years.
Since his appointment, Commandant General (CG) Audi has undertaken a comprehensive vision to transform the NSCDC, focusing on enhancing professionalism and aligning the Corps with international best practices. In his inaugural address at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, CG Audi outlined his plan to “rejig, revamp, revitalize, restructure, and reposition” the Corps.
Dr. Audi has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the Corps’ effectiveness. Notably, he established the Commandant General’s Quarterly Conference to regularly assess and strategize on the Corps’ performance. Additionally, the creation of the Special Female Squad (SFS) addresses the security challenges faced by schools, earning widespread praise for its timely intervention.
The SFS actively participates in the School and Community Security Vanguard (SCSV), a program designed to educate and protect schools and their surrounding communities. Under Dr. Audi’s leadership, the Corps has prioritized the training and retraining of personnel, with over 700 officers receiving advanced training in weapon handling within ten months of his tenure. This initiative also included developing standardized training curricula to promote uniformity and professionalism.
Dr. Audi’s tenure has seen numerous reforms, including the establishment of the Private Guard Companies (PGC) and the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad. He has also reactivated the Agro-rangers and intensified efforts against terror financing and economic sabotage, particularly crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The introduction of the CG’s Special Anti-vandal Squad and the reorganization of the anti-vandal unit further underscore these efforts.
To bolster the Corps’ operational capabilities, Dr. Audi has procured 93 operational and utility vehicles and facilitated partnerships with private sector entities. These collaborations led to the NSCDC’s Maiden Strategic Communication Conference and National Gender Summit. Furthermore, the establishment of the NSCDC Command and Staff College in Plateau State and a microfinance scheme for the Corps’ personnel exemplify his commitment to institutional development.
Dr. Audi’s administration has made significant strides in personnel welfare, including the disbursement of substantial funds for group life insurance benefits and burial benefits. Over 200 million naira were distributed to 60 beneficiaries as part of these efforts. His administration has also focused on infrastructure, including the construction of a fire service station and the acquisition of firefighting vehicles to aid in disaster management.
In recognition of his academic inclination, Dr. Audi launched twelve books on national and regional security, contributing valuable insights to the field.
The National Coalition Against Terrorism has expressed strong support for Dr. Audi’s leadership, particularly in combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The group also commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of security agencies and urged him to increase funding for the NSCDC to sustain these critical efforts.
Kuanum noted that Dr. Audi’s tenure as Commandant General of the NSCDC has been marked by significant advancements and reforms, positioning the Corps as a model for security agencies both nationally and internationally. The continued support and funding from the government will be crucial in maintaining and building upon these achievements.
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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