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The Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ), a leading anti-corruption and pro-democracy NGO, has praised the transformative efforts and performance metrics introduced by Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The Civil Society Organization (CSO) highlighted improvements in internal processes aimed at optimizing performance, increased staff morale, enhanced surveillance of critical assets, prompt payment of allowances, discipline, and an effective chain of command. Transparency in procurement processes and innovative initiatives have also propelled the NSCDC into a modern 21st-century paramilitary organization.

According to a statement signed by GOCMEJ’s Country Representative, President, and Senior Research Fellow, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, these commendations were made during a strategic round-table Town Hall meeting in Lagos with other leaders in the South-West zone.

Aigbegbele noted, “Never before have these improvements been witnessed in the agency’s history despite the significant challenges it faces.”

The CSO lauded efforts to reduce incessant herders and farmers’ clashes, cattle rustling, and criminal activities targeting national assets. The deployment of undercover officers to schools and robust inter-agency collaborations with the Navy, Army, Customs, Immigration, NNPC, and others were also praised.

In Aigbegbele’s words, “The continuous fight against cyber-crimes, child abuse, illegal private guard companies, smugglers, vandals, and oil thieves in the Niger Delta remains a herculean task. The present management is working tirelessly to address these issues.”

Dr. Audi has issued strict directives to state commandants to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s zero-tolerance for corruption and theft, aiming to eliminate economic saboteurs and vandals from the nation’s oil sector and other critical national assets.

The statement emphasized the efforts of the mining marshals and agro-rangers initiatives to boost food security, allowing farmers to work safely on their farms. GOCMEJ acknowledged the importance of the mining sector and applauded the NSCDC’s efforts in curbing illegal mining activities.

“The establishment of Special Mining Marshals by the Audi-led management is a major boost in combating illegal mining, which has increased the country’s revenue and improved investor confidence in the mineral sector,” Aigbegbele said.

He also highlighted the creation of the Special Female Squad (SFS), designed to enhance the fight against insecurity and kidnapping in schools. The squad operates in all commands across the country as part of the Safe School Initiative (SSI), providing enhanced protection for schools in remote areas.

GOCMEJ called on the Federal Government to fund these initiatives through training and capacity building for Agro-Rangers, Mining Marshals, and the Special Female Squad, to boost productivity and manpower development.

The NGO further urged an increase in national budget allocations to the NSCDC, emphasizing the critical role it plays in protecting national assets and reducing school kidnappings. “Proper funding will empower the NSCDC to do more for the nation and its workforce,” the statement read.

GOCMEJ expressed confidence in the public procurement processes, contract approvals, and the esprit de corps among NSCDC officers, noting the unprecedented promotion of 21,385 personnel to new ranks and the commissioning of operational vehicles to enhance patrols and surveillance.

The Guild also recognized strategic alliances with academic institutions to upgrade service capabilities, aligning with global standards. “GOCMEJ will continue to support the Corps in its efforts to tackle banditry, herders’ clashes, vandalism, and illegal mining, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all,” the statement concluded.

GOCMEJ added that the NSCDC’s role in securing the mining sector, school environments, and farmlands is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renew Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic diversification, growth, and national security. The NGO expressed its unwavering support for Dr. Audi’s leadership and called on the international community to join in backing the proactive and transformative management of the NSCDC.