Don’t merge NSCD with police, group tells FG

By Christopher Oji

The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on President  Muhammadu Buhari not to scrap the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) or merge it with the Nigeria Police Force.

CAIDOV, at a press conference, yesterday, at the International Press Centre, Ogba, Lagos, said it noted with dismay that President Buhari was trying to implement the Oronsaye report, which suggested that NSCDC be either scrapped or merged with the police.

Executive Director, CAIDOV, Gbenga Soloki, said  any attempt to either scrap or merge the NSCDC with the police would be resisted with every means humanly possible.

“Let me make it clear that the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence is not in any way associated with the NSCDC, neither am I, as the head of the centre, in any way connected to the security enforcement agency.

“The Centre is, however, taking this cause upon itself because it abhors injustice, but a promoter of peace and progress of our country, Nigeria. And as a result, we have taken time to reach out to other bodies of like mind over this issue, and we are ready to ensure that the NSCDC does not lose its sovereignty and identity because of the laudable and complimentary role it has been playing, in ensuring the security of the country within the limits of its power.

“This is not the time for scrapping or attempting to scrap the NSCDC, especially now that we are daily being faced with all manners of security challenges. Nigeria is a country of over 200 million population with less than one million security personnel across board.

“With these statistics, how do you think we can conveniently fight insecurity in the land when we are underpoliced?

“From its humble beginning, the NSCDC has evolved into an indispensable force to reckon with, garnering critical acclaim for its courageous exploits.

“With billions of naira being lost annually to oil vandals across Nigeria, the crucial role being played by NSCDC in curbing this hydra-headed monster is being appreciated more than ever before.

“NSCDC has come to stay, the laws are very clear; there is no overlapping, the police should face their job while NSCDC face their job. I am also calling on the leadership of the National Assembly not to pander to the dictate of selfish characters.”