The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, has announced plans to recruit additional volunteers to bolster the Corps’ efforts in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure across the country.
With a current workforce of 63,000 personnel, Audi emphasized the need for more staff to effectively execute the Corps’ mandate, which includes tackling crude oil theft and managing disaster responses.
Audi made the remarks during a working visit to the Rivers State Command in Port Harcourt, where he reiterated his commitment to transforming the NSCDC into a world-class, elite organization. He stressed that the government and the public place considerable trust in the Corps, underscoring the importance of meeting its responsibilities with diligence.
“The duty the government has assigned to us is enormous, herculean, and very tasking,” Audi stated. “Providing safety and security for critical national assets and infrastructure is no easy feat. The number of assets and critical infrastructure we are tasked with protecting is vast, yet we are just 63,000 strong—it’s not enough.”
Audi also highlighted the scale of the challenge posed by crude oil theft, particularly in the Niger Delta, where over 1,881 pipeline vandalization sites have been identified. “If we were to assign personnel to each of these sites, you’d find that even I, the Commandant General, would have to go and guard the pipelines,” he quipped.
He further urged NSCDC personnel to remain dedicated to their roles, emphasizing that the protection of critical national assets is paramount. “The economy of our nation depends on these assets, and they must be safeguarded from economic saboteurs,” he stated.
In addition, Audi praised the Rivers State Government for its recent donation of 10 operational vehicles, which he officially commissioned for use by the state command. This gesture, he noted, would significantly enhance the Corps’ operational capacity in the region.
