Audi’s leadership reforms reposition NSCDC, says CWAI

The Citizen Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for what it described as far-reaching reforms that have transformed the Service and strengthened national security despite funding constraints.

In a statement signed by Mahmud Bello, Director of Media and Stakeholders Engagement of CWAI in Kaduna State, the organisation said the foresight and focused leadership of the current administration under Abubakar Ahmad Audi have repositioned the Corps through deliberate rebranding, institutional reforms, and improved operational efficiency.

CWAI noted that staff welfare remains a top priority of the Commandant-General, citing the prompt payment of salaries and allowances, improved morale, and the entrenchment of integrity, professionalism, and intelligence-led security operations.

According to the group, these measures have contributed to a reduction in criminal activities including vandalism, kidnapping, illegal mining, and attacks on critical national assets.

The organisation further stated that the Corps’ open-door policy and sustained engagement with stakeholders have enhanced intelligence gathering, investigation, and inter-agency collaboration, leading to notable improvements in disaster response as first responders across the country.

Highlighting key achievements, CWAI listed the regulation of private security companies, the introduction of Mining Marshals to secure strategic mining sites, containment of pipeline vandalism, reduction of oil theft in the Niger Delta, and the assumption of VIP protocol protection duties. It described these milestones as surpassing those of previous administrations.

Reiterating his vision, the Commandant-General said the ongoing reforms are aimed at upgrading the Corps’ operational machinery, including the reorganisation and revitalisation of training institutions to equip personnel to tackle contemporary security threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.

CWAI also pointed to the establishment of the Mining Marshals and the Special Female Squad (SFS) as pioneering initiatives, as well as the Corps’ support for the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative through nationwide security audits and proactive frameworks to protect educational institutions.

The statement added that reforms in the Directorate of Legal Services have enhanced prosecutorial capacity, while the restructured Anti-Vandal Unit has intensified operations in the South-South region.

Over 2,500 suspects have reportedly been arrested this year for offences ranging from vandalism and oil theft to cattle rustling and illegal mining.

CWAI attributed these successes to effective inter-agency synergy and manpower development, noting that the Corps has also recorded gains in sports, welfare insurance for personnel, and the recovery of assets and materials valued at over ₦5 billion. The destruction of more than 450 illegal refineries, it said, has significantly reduced oil theft and revenue losses.

Endorsing the change agenda of the Audi-led management, CWAI urged officers to remain disciplined and uphold international best practices, while calling on Nigerians to support the Corps’ efforts against criminality.

The organisation also appealed to corporate bodies and public-spirited individuals to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by partnering to modernise the NSCDC through funding, capacity building, and the acquisition of modern security equipment.

Finally, CWAI called for increased budgetary allocation to the NSCDC and the entrenchment of a standardised training curriculum to enhance career progression, supervision, and transparent regulation of private guard companies nationwide, stressing the Corps’ expanding role within Nigeria’s security architecture.