Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is a paramilitary agency of the Nigerian government, established to provide measures against threats, attacks, and disasters affecting the nation and its citizens. Its origins trace back to May 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War, where it began as the “Lagos Civil Defence Committee” focused on sensitizing and protecting the civilian populace. It gained statutory backing through an Act of Parliament in 2003, which was further amended in 2007.

Key Responsibilities and Functions:

The NSCDC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s internal security architecture, with a broad mandate that includes:

• Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure: This is a primary function, involving 24-hour surveillance over government infrastructures, sites, and projects, including oil pipelines, power transmission lines, NIPOST cables, and water board equipment, to prevent vandalism and theft.
• Maintenance of Peace and Order: Assisting in maintaining peace and order and protecting the civilian population, especially during emergencies, civil unrest, and electoral processes.
• Disaster Management and Emergency Response: Providing and managing shelters, assisting in decontamination, carrying out rescue operations, controlling volatile situations, and offering emergency medical services during periods of emergency. This includes early warning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
• Regulation and Supervision of Private Guard Companies: Recommending the registration of private guard companies, inspecting their premises and training facilities, supervising and monitoring their activities, and sealing up those operating without valid licenses.
• Intelligence Gathering: Collecting intelligence information on crime control, potential trouble spots, riot, disorder, religious unrest, subversive activities, and planned acts of terrorism (including cult and ethnic militia activities, and criminal activities aimed at defrauding the government or citizens). This information is then reported to appropriate federal security agencies.
• Community Engagement and Dispute Resolution: Providing necessary warnings to civilians in times of danger, evacuating populations from hazardous areas, and mediating in the settlement of disputes among willing members of the public.
• Combating Economic Sabotage: Actively fighting against illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, and other forms of economic sabotage that threaten the nation’s resources.
• Assistance to other Security Agencies: Collaborating with and supporting other law enforcement agencies like the police and fire services in their operations, particularly in fire-fighting and restoring order in distressed areas.

Mission and Vision:

The NSCDC’s mission is to develop structures and training strategies that contribute to national security using modern technology and well-trained manpower, focusing on protecting the civil populace and averting the vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure. Its vision is to foster efficiency, humility, and integrity in service delivery, bringing credibility to the concept of security and building a positive culture that creates a unique identity for Nigeria’s security architecture.

In essence, the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps acts as a vital link between the government and the people, providing a unique blend of security operations and civil duties to ensure the safety, security, and stability of Nigeria.