The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has warned its armourers and arms commanders against gun running, arms renting and other illegal practices, saying the penalty is outright dismissal and prosecution.
Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi issued the warning on Monday at the opening of a week-long national retreat and symposium for over 150 armourers and arms commanders from the 36 states and the FCT at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja.
The retreat, themed “Management of Arms and Ammunition,” was convened to strengthen professionalism, enforce strict accountability and eliminate operational rivalries within the Corps.
“The Corps will deal ruthlessly with any officer involved in illegal dealing in arms and ammunition, such as gun running, arms renting, arms hiring and borrowing,” Prof. Audi said.
“Henceforth, the punishment for involvement in illegal arms activity is outright dismissal and prosecution. Personnel are expected to display the highest levels of discipline and operational integrity.”
Prof. Audi also charged armourers and arms commanders to end inter-departmental friction, stressing that seamless collaboration is critical to achieving the Corps’ security mandate.
Speaking earlier, the Commandant of the NSCDC Centre for Civil Defence Studies, ACG Opara Charles Kenechukwu, described weapon stewardship as a sacred trust tied to national security.
“Every weapon entrusted to the NSCDC must remain fully accounted for, properly maintained, securely stored, and deployed strictly in accordance with established laws,” he said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Deputy Commandants General Dr. Nnamdi Nwinyi, Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, Pedro Awili Ideba, and Commandant of Armament, Michael Eneghela, PhD.
The event ended with award presentations. Prof. Audi received the Meritorious Award, while DCG Adeyinka Fasiu Ayinla and Acting DCG Lawal Muktar got Excellence Awards. Outstanding Performance Awards were also given to commanders of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, VIP Protection Unit, Mining Marshals and the Crack Squad
