By
Adikwu Samuel Ebo
We are in an era of political campaigns where aspirants from different political parties engage crowds for hyping, self-promotion and pronouncing unfulfilled promises in a bid to attract votes from vulnerable citizens.
However, rationally speaking, those who deserve to be voted for, singled out for genuine recognition and be crowned with leadership laurels are those who identify pressing needs that demand immediate attention and without a lackadaisical attitude, take decisive action that makes a positive difference in the lives of citizens.
In the same vein, we live in a world that has little tolerance for docility and inactivity but applauds tangible, evidence-based projects that add value to the lives of the masses.
Indeed, it is not unconventional or unusual to see proactive individuals who are results-oriented and penchant for achieving greater heights to attract others with similar talents, aspirations and dreams. Together, they form a formidable team, exploring strategic thinking and collective efforts to achieve remarkable results seamlessly.
It is against this backdrop that the Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, who is serving his second tenure following his indelible records of quality service delivery and efforts to reposition the agency for greater performance,has assembled a compact and strategically driven team to enhance operational effectiveness and productivity.
Since assuming office, Professor Audi has embarked on significant structural reforms within the paramilitary institution, making its operations more effective, responsive and professional.
The NSCDC is a paramilitary agency saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national infrastructure, responding to emergency attacks and disasters, supporting community safety, and contributing to the prevention and detection of crimes across the country.
There is no doubt but glaringly,that under the administrative purview of Professor Audi, some of these onerous responsibilities have, to a considerable extent, been effectively addressed.
It is on record conspicuously ,that prior to Professor Audi’s assumption of office as Commandant General, the Corps faces deluge of challenges, ranging from inadequate training and personnel development, particularly in weapons handling and operational preparedness, to confront increasingly herculean task and complex security threats.
Meanwhile, personnel were often deployed to undertake complicated and demanding security assignments without adequate operational support.
The paramilitary institution also faced shortages of essential working tools, suitable office accommodation and operational vehicles required for critical assignments.
Other challenges included backlogs of salaries and allowances, inadequate incentives, morale booster and delays in training and promotion as at when due.
Professor Audi’s emergence as Commandant General was therefore more than just a symbolic capital appointment.
Audi’s appointment which came through a thorough and transparent selection process involving the relevant authorities, embarked on measures aimed at addressing these challenges within the resources available to the Corps.
The name Audi has increasingly become associated with a firm operational posture and send distress signals against activities such as vandalism, oil theft, illegal bunkering, illegal mining, kidnapping, brigands ,banditry, and other criminal activities that threaten national resources and security.
Professor Ahmed Audi has also worked to project the mandate and image of the Corps to limelight in line with contemporary global standards expected of a modern paramilitary institution.
The compassionate CG does not keep deaf ears to training of personnel and plight of the families who lost their breadwinners as corps during their duties.
Audi provided unflinching support to the families that lost their loved ones, including the injured, incapacitated and even the pensioners.
As part of his strategic approach to intelligence-led security operations, Professor Audi established the Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), headed by a well-prepared substantive Commandant, Dandaura Appollos.
As a security strategist who recognises the importance of intelligence gathering and accurate data analysis, Professor Audi understands that combating insecurity without a dependable intelligence report is likely to yield limited results or could be an exercise in futility.
The appointment of Dandaura Appollos to lead the Special Intelligence Squad( SIS) therefore reflects the importance attached to placing experienced personnel in strategic positions where their expertise can be effectively deployed and is in tandem with fixing a round peg in a round hole.
The intelligence component of the NSCDC operates under the relevant intelligence and investigative structures of the Corps, with responsibilities that include threat detection, surveillance, information gathering, prevention of threatening espionage and criminal investigation.
The unit is also involved in investigations relating to financial crimes, cyber-related offences, security threats, civil unrest in vulnerable areas and the collection and sharing of relevant intelligence details with other security stakeholders, in accordance with established procedures.
Since assuming responsibility for the Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant Dandaura has reportedly recorded notable exceptional operational interventions against activities involving vandalism of rail equipment, illegal mining, kidnapping, illegal bunkering, banditry, impersonation, forgery, job racketeering and other forms of criminality.
Commandant Dandaura is a consummate team player, known for his commitment, selfless sacrifices and determination to contribute to building of a crime-free society.
He is also regarded as a disciplined leader with an analytical mind, independent judgment and a reputation for integrity, while maintaining a firm position against corruption and financial profligacy.
The debt recovery Commandant Dandaura possessed the capacity to operate effectively under pressure and demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, morals, sound character and analytical thinking.
As a versatile officer, he maintains a welcoming disposition towards members of the public, listens attentively to concerns and maintains strict adherence to established security protocols.
At a time when there is an increasing need to strengthen intelligence gathering and analysis in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, providing a conducive workable environment, adequate provisions of surveillance drones, cameras, implementing biometric identification, enhancing cyber security measures and utilizing artificial intelligence for professionals with demonstrated performance and operational capabilities such as Commandant Dandaura becomes imperative.
His experience, commitment and strategic orientation, if continually supported and appropriately harnessed, could be valuable not only to the NSCDC but also to the broader national security architecture.
Achieving sustainable security in the country requires wholistic team work,multi- dimensional approach that integrates community engagement, regional and international cooperation and unflinching funding on security research and development in modern technologies.
The needs for creation of security awareness through National Orientation Agency( NOA) ,educating citizens on security risk and promoting security consciousness is quite vital in combating the menace of unwholesome vices..
Our collective prayers for Commandant Dandaura as he continues with more robust intelligence services, is for God to grant him the courage, wisdom and strength to withstand the challenges posed by insecurity, while granting him and his compact team divine protection as they discharge their responsibilities to the service of the nation.
Adikwu Samuel Ebo
Public Affairs Analyst
Abuja
adikwusamuelebo@gmail.com
