The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disbursed over N600 million in insurance benefits to 146 personnel and families of deceased officers between 2023 and 2024.
The cheques were presented during the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) Day celebration on Monday at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja. The ICDO is observed annually on March 1 to promote civil defence preparedness and recognise the contributions of civil organisations worldwide.
According to a Group Life Insurance Policy report released by the NSCDC Public Relations Department, the payments were drawn from the 2023/2024 signed insurance policy.
NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi noted that among the beneficiaries were the families of five personnel killed in November 2024 while conducting surveillance on national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
Audi also highlighted NSCDC research findings linking illegal mining to banditry in Nigeria.
“Reports indicate that illegal miners often use bandits as cover for their operations,” he said.
He commended the NSCDC mining marshals for boosting revenue from mining activities.
“The revenue profile was previously low, but after deploying the marshals, royalties from mining have improved significantly,” he stated.
On broader security efforts, Audi noted that kidnapping incidents have reduced due to improved cooperation among security agencies. He attributed many of the NSCDC’s successes to its non-kinetic security approaches, particularly in protecting schools and engaging key stakeholders such as parents, school authorities, and community leaders.
“Non-kinetic approaches have yielded good results in the protection of schools and community engagement,” he said.
He further emphasised the impact of the NSCDC’s Integrated Arrest Reporting System, which has improved response times to distress calls and enhanced security outcomes nationwide.
Additionally, Audi disclosed that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the NSCDC to implement scientific reforms to institutionalize the operations of Private Guard Companies (PGCs).
Speaking at the event, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Service Board (CDCFIB), Abdulmalik Jubril, stressed the importance of community involvement in security efforts.
“As we celebrate today, we are reminded of the importance of preparedness, prevention, and quick response in times of disaster. We must prioritise collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement in civil defence,” Jubril stated.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mbah, reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to working closely with the NSCDC.
“The success of any civil defence organisation depends on its ability to seamlessly partner with other security agencies. We assure the corps of our commitment to intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordinated operations,” Egbetokun said.