By Olayemi Esan
The synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be enhanced to provide needed security environment for the citizens, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya has pledged.
General Yahaya gave the commitment on Tuesday when the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi alongside his principal officers paid the Army Chief a familiarisation visit at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Gen Yahaya said that the Nigerian Army will continue to leverage on the NSCDC’s coverage in all parts of the country to improve on its operations to achieve significant results for the betterment of Nigeria.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian army, under my leadership, will continue to synergise and support the NSCDC to build appropriate capacities, so as to collectively secure the nation,’’ he said.
He acknowledged the already existing synergy between the two services and reiterated his resolve towards enhancing collaboration with other security agencies.
The COAS noted that the gesture was in line with his vision to have “a professional Nigerian army that is ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in Defence of Nigeria”.
He commended the NSCDC for its display of competence, commitment and professionalism in safeguarding the critical national assets and other internal security operations in the country and called for its sustenance.
Earlier in his remark, the Commandant General had solicited for support and improved collaboration between the NSCDC and the Army, towards effectively addressing the prevailing security challenges confronting the country.
Dr. Audi noted that his visit was coming against the backdrop of the current security threats in different parts of the country, adding that the NSCDC which is Nigerian Army's baby and has been in existence for about 50 years needed the support of the military to carry out its constitutional roles.
He said, the NSCDC requires professional support in the area of training of its personnel, supply of arms and ammunitions by the military.
"The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), is poised to speedily end the scourge of insecurity from Grassroots in all region; thus Nigerian Army's continuous intervention is highly desirable and solicited," he said.
The Commandant General noted that over the years the NSCDC has been enjoying professional support from the Nigerian Army on intensive training which has improved its operations through planning, skills, proficiency as well as the supply of arms and ammunition since 2010.
The NSCDC boss thus commended the Nigerian Army for its uniqueness, patriotism, zeal and professionalism in maintaining internal security in the country and pledged to readily assist in any area of interest when called upon.
