The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) graduated 250 of its personnel on Wednesday after intensive training in sign language for intelligence gathering operations.

The officers who were certified in sign language would be deployed within the FCT and its environs for various operations to ensure peace and security and protect critical national assets and infrastructures.

Our Correspondent gathered that the training and retraining initiatives by the Corps is said to be a deliberate strategy to build a resilient, professional, and inclusive security outfit — one that can respond to the evolving needs of the society.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony at the Headquarters of the Corps, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the initiative is meant to bridge the communication gap between the personnel and members of the society.

Odumosu said, “This training enhances not only our service delivery but also strengthens our intelligence-gathering capacity, particularly in cases involving vulnerable communities. Afterall, in the 21st-century security environment, inclusion is not a privilege — it is a necessity.

“By acquiring this foundational knowledge, we are empowered to better serve and respond to security needs of our various communities without leaving anyone behind, and we wll leverage on this skill to entertain complaints, carry out interrogations, and gather intelligence without relying on interpreters.

“As we look to the future, I am optimistic that our commitment to inclusive security will contribute significantly to building a safer, more secure Federal Capital Territory. Remember, your efforts will not only impact your work but will also change lives and perceptions within our society.

“Our journey towards becoming a more inclusive and people-focused agency would not have been possible without the unflinching support of our Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni. Sir, your confidence in this command, your encouragement, and your vision have served as both compass and catalyst for all we have achieved so far. We say thank you, and we remain committed to upholding the ideals and objectives of the Corps.

The Commandant who congratulated the personnel for the feat, said by acquiring these essential skills,” you are equipped to bridge communication gaps and ensure that every citizen, regardless of their ability in all the six local area councils of the FCT, feels a sense of safety and belonging in our society.”

Also speaking at the event the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disability, Chief Ayuba Burkin Gufwan, described the training of security personnel in Sign Language as a step in the right direction.

He added that it was a clear demonstration of the Corps’ commitment to inclusive service delivery and to safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians, most especially the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities at large.

He urged the NSCDC to mainstream sign language training across all her formation and commands, and hoped that other security agencies will follow suit and replicate across Nigeria.