The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has presented cheques worth N188m as benefits to families of deceased personnel in the Service. 

More than 20 families of personnel who died in active service benefitted. 

The cheques were presented by the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi at the headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja, while the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo praised the Corps for proving its mettle in the security architecture of the country.

The occasion was to commemorate the 2025 International Civil Defence Day Organisation (ICDO), and appraised the contributions of the NSCDC to peace and orderliness in the country. 

 Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement in promoting Civil Defence as well as disaster risk reduction.

He was represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board  (CDCFIB) Maj Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd).

The Minister in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi said the world  has witnessed an increase in the frequency and severity of threats, thus, highlighting the importance of civil defence in protecting human lives, promoting sustainable development and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

He explained that the current situation underscored the imperative of Civil Defence in modern society. 

“It is imperative that we continue to prioritize civil defence and their efforts, and work together to promote the culture of prevention, preparedness and response and support the development of resilient communities that can withstand the current security threats,” the Minister said.

The Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, emphasizeod the need for collaboration and synergy among agencies and other critical stakeholders to make the world safer and more secured.

He assured that NSCDC will continue to strive for effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI) and will not relent in strengthening physical security, and sensitisation of the general public in order to guarantee security and well-being of the citizenry.

The CG stated the establishment of the Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshall, Agro Rangers and Special Female Squad has led to steady successes and achievements by Corps.

Audi said the Special Intelligence Squad arrested over 500 suspects, destroyed more than 350 illegal refineries, while Special Female Squad thwarted over 48 kidnapping attempts on schools. He further said the newly established mining marshall has closed down over 170 illegal mining sites.