The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army renew forces in ensuring FCT’s safety from criminals and vandals, contributing to national security.
The two agencies agreed to collaborate on more training and retraining programs for all security agencies in the sector, so that they can operate and cooperate more efficiently without any one being left behind in terms of the latest operational tactics.
During a visit to the office of Acting Guards Brigade Commander, Col. Olusola Onasanya, also known as ‘the Chief Scorpion,’ in Abuja yesterday, NSCDC FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu emphasized the agencies’ longstanding partnership and the need for ongoing mutual support.
He observed that while there is a growing sense of camaraderie and cooperation between senior officers in the military and other paramilitary agencies, the same should be encouraged among junior officers in a gradual manner until full synergy is achieved.
“If we at our levels can enjoy so much cooperation and synergy, there’s a need to pass the same information to the lower rungs of the ladder too.
“My visit to you is more or less to fulfill customs and traditions. As far as I am concerned, we already have a good working relationship and I am enjoying maximum cooperation and synergy from you already.
“However, the visit is also an opportunity for me and my men to get acquainted with your men and familiarize with one another as we shall be meeting on the field in the course of our job”, he said.
Commandant Odumosu expressed his gratitude to the Commander, Guards Brigade, for receiving him, and commended the Nigerian Army for its maturity and camaraderie, which has led to a long-standing good relationship with the NSCDC.
He made known that the rivalry occasionally experienced among security agencies must be discouraged in favour of more collaboration for effective security coverage of the country.
“The two agencies have come a long way and should continue to collaborate more effectively and progressively for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and other residents in the country.
“We are a product of the military, directly or indirectly”, Odumosu said.
Commandant Odumosu requested more collaboration from the Brigade of Guards Commander in the areas of operations and training for his men.
Commandant Odumosu emphasized that his goal of making the FCT free of vandals who target critical infrastructure such as manhole covers, street lights, and traffic lights cannot be accomplished without the cooperation of other security agencies. As a result, the courtesy visit was necessary.
According to him, the NSCDC owes its development to the military, particularly the Nigerian Army.
Col. Olusola Onasanya, the Brigade of Guards Commander, stated that joint operations between the NSCDC, other paramilitary agencies, and the Nigerian Army have been responsible for the decline in crime and security threats in the FCT.
He said “If I need to consult, I will consult, If I need to take permission or approval from the top, I will, but the training will be effected”, Onasanya promised.
Comfort Okomanyi, the NSCDC FCT Command Public Relations Officer (PRO), in a statement, said that Col. Onasanya assured the Corps that enlightenment will be regularly intensified among the junior cadres of the Nigerian Army to promote a healthier relationship with the NSCDC and other security agencies, in order to strengthen a unified front for national security.