By Augustine Ehikioya
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, on Thursday commissioned a new Tactical Training Ground and Obstacle Course at the FCT Command.
He described it as a strategic investment in building a “modern, intelligence-driven and technologically compliant Corps.”
The facility, located at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters, was conceived under the leadership of the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, and completed with support from the private sector.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Audi said the commissioning goes beyond unveiling infrastructure, noting that it reflects the Corps’ commitment to professional competence and operational readiness amid Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
“There is no denying the fact that the Corps personnel are a critical organizational asset. Hence, our major focus on training and manpower development at the very centre of our reform agenda,” he said.
He listed the Corps’ expanded training portfolio to include intelligence and investigation, cyber security, disaster management, critical infrastructure protection, weapons handling, VIP protection, and human rights education.
Pointing to rising threats of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, illegal mining and attacks on Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), the CG said, “These threats demand skilled, competent, well trained, and highly motivated workforce. Training and re-training is therefore not optional but an operational strategic importance.”
Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ mandate to protect oil and gas installations, power facilities, railways, telecoms and water systems, stressing that “any attack on critical infrastructure has a debilitating effect on not just the economy, but every Nigerian.”
He charged officers to “Train with discipline. Train with professionalism. Train with integrity,” adding that every exercise at the ground is “ultimately aimed at protecting the lives, property and freedoms of the Nigerian people.”
The CG also highlighted welfare reforms under his watch, including regular promotions, better medical support, housing initiatives, insurance, and reward systems, saying “a well-motivated workforce is a productive workforce. A well-trained officer is a confident officer.”
Prof. Audi said the NSCDC remains committed to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through “intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, community engagement and proactive crime prevention.”
He noted that effective internal security “cannot be achieved by security agencies working in isolation” and pledged continued synergy with sister agencies.
The CG described the FCT facility as a potential “centre of excellence for operational preparedness” that should serve as a model for other Commands across the Federation.
The CG formally commissioned the Tactical Training Ground and Obstacle Course, praying that it “continue to produce officers who will serve Nigeria with courage, discipline, honour and excellence.”
In his welcome address, FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu said the project answered the question, “How do we better prepare our officers and men for the increasingly complex security environment of the Federal Capital Territory?”
“This Tactical Training Ground is therefore an investment in professionalism, preparedness and operational excellence,” he said.
Odumosu thanked Prof. Audi for his “approval, encouragement and unwavering confidence,” and acknowledged FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike for creating “an enabling environment for improved collaboration.”
He also commended private partners including Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, CGC Nigeria Ltd, Setraco Nigeria Ltd, Datum Construction, CCECC Quarry and Zeberced for providing engineering expertise and equipment.
The Commandant explained that the facility will host obstacle crossing, endurance drills, tactical movement, rescue simulations, disaster response, combat fitness and leadership development.
“This facility has been provided for your development. Make good use of it. Train harder. Build endurance. Develop resilience,” he told officers.
Dignitaries at the event included the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, representatives of sister security agencies, traditional rulers and development partners.
