By Ngozi Uwujare
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant General, Mr. Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, said the corps as the lead agency in protecting critical infrastructure and national assets, has reduced the spate of vandalism of public assets to the barest minimum.
He told Daily Sun in Abuja: “We have reduced vandalism of public property substantially. We are working towards stamping out criminal act completely in Nigeria state
“As the lead agency in charge of disaster management and emergency situation, we deployed 3,000 personnel in the North East to keep peace in the region. I salute the courage and gallantry of our officers and men in arresting two female suicide bombers in the region.”
Muhammadu charged the corps personnel to remain transparently committed, dogged and develop passion for the job as their welfare is paramount and guaranteed: “They should co-operate and work in synergy with other sister agencies to damp down on persons with clandestine and sinister motives in the interest of peace and national security.”
He admonished corps personnel to work harmoniously with personnel of sister agencies to be at peace with them and avoid inter agency rivalry: “All the services are working towards achieving the same objectives of providing security and ensuring peaceful atmosphere. We will ensure that adequate security is put in place to protect life and property.
“The corps has set up the solid mineral unit. To this end, 27 illegal mining sites were closed in Lagos, Edo, Taraba, Imo, Kebbi and Plateau states, among other places. The ministers of Solid Mineral and Interior are seeking the personnel of the corps to protect the mining sector and come against illegal miners. The agency will do everything possible to fulfill her core mandate of keeping the miners save and providing atmosphere conducive to boost the economy.
“It is necessary to create and maintain robust channels of communication between mine owners and officers of the corps to avoid tension in the mine field because of the volatile nature of mine workers. There is a need for the establishment of a consultative committee of relevant stakeholders to monitor and control mining activities especially with regard to illegal mining operations in the country. Committee to be established at both national and state levels.
“To seek for cooperation in the area of provision of training seminars/facilities officers and men of the corps in the intricacies of mining operation and identification of the core elements of the industry to enable them effectively perform their duties The corps needs welfare for its officers, training and the retraining of staff, providing accommodation for the personnel, payment of salary as at when due and making the personnel to be comfortable to enable them discharge and excel in their duties.
“Nigerians should discountenance speculations that the corps is recruiting and doing replacement secretly. We frown at the rumor that the agency is recruiting and replacing secretly by favoring candidates of top government functionaries and influential persons in the society. Nothing of such is happening in the corps. The corps is not a platform for any form of repulsion.”
“The NSCDC is an organization that has respect for all persons whether rich or poor. Our recruitment policy is purely based on merit. We will publish in the electronic and print media nationwide to enable eligible candidates apply for employment. We have applied to the Federal Government for approval to enable the agency employ but we are yet to get to get the ahead to employ. The general public should again beware of employment scammers using the name of NSCDC to exhort money from the unsuspecting members of the public.
“The corps has directed the Intelligence and Anti-Fraud Unit of the corps to re-strategise and redouble efforts in clamping down on employment racketeers. Job applicants should be wary of devices of 419 alerting them of recruitment and underground replacement exercise of 10, 000 job places in NSCDC.”