Outgoing NSCDC CG: We Arrested 4,677 Suspects, Generated ₦4.5bn in Five Years

The outgoing Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has disclosed that the Corps arrested 4,677 suspected economic saboteurs and generated over ₦4.4 billion in revenue during his five-year tenure.

Audi made the revelation on Friday during his pull-out ceremony held in Abuja, where he presented a statistical breakdown of the Corps’ activities from March 2021 to date.

According to him, the Corps destroyed 283 illegal refineries as part of its anti-vandalism operations. He added that 2,039 cases are currently being prosecuted, while 638 convictions have been secured within the period under review.

“In the past five years, I have discharged the duties of my office intelligently and responsibly. With every sense of sincerity, we have been able to achieve significant milestones and provide positive leadership. Statistics from March 2021 to date: we arrested 4,677 suspected economic saboteurs, 2,039 prosecutions, and 638 have been convicted,” he said.

The outgoing CG further stated that the Corps generated ₦4,476,237,986 within the period, which was paid directly into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Regulation of Private Guard Companies

On the regulation of Private Guard Companies, Audi disclosed that 376 new firms were registered, while 893 are awaiting licences.

He noted that 3,869 licences were renewed, 443 companies were sealed for failing to meet operational requirements, and 241 were reopened after complying with standards.

The CG further revealed that 467 stakeholders’ meetings were held nationwide, and 15,157 guards were trained across the country. The Corps also handled 52 complaints and recovered ₦3.3 million on behalf of complainants.

“We have number of companies that we have registered so far 376, number of registered awaiting licence 893, number of companies sealed 443, number of companies reopened 241, number of companies renewed 3,869, number of stakeholders meeting held at various states 467, and number of guards trained nationwide 15,157.

“The amount generated which we were asked to pay directly to the Consolidated Revenue put together under the period under review ₦4,476,237,986. Complaints handled 52, amount recovered from complainants ₦3.3 million, number of companies upgraded from category B to A, three, number of companies downgraded none,” Audi said.

Special Initiatives

Audi highlighted the establishment of a Female Special Squad during his tenure, noting that the squad, trained by the Nigerian Army, was deployed to protect schools and has thwarted over 48 attempted school kidnappings nationwide.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at giving women the opportunity to serve and compete effectively with their male counterparts, adding that the squad has performed creditably.

“A female special squad was also established. And this, you have seen their demonstration here. They were able, so far, after they were deployed to provide security for our schools, they were able to thwart over 48 attempts of school kidnapping nationwide. And this female division, you know, was trained by the military, particularly the Nigerian army. And of course, they have been doing their job nationwide, all set for months.

“And the reason for establishing this female division is to give women an opportunity to showcase their own talent, you know, so that they can compete fully with their male counterparts. And I tell you, they have been doing very, very well,” he said.

The outgoing CG also noted that the Corps strengthened the operations of its Agro-Rangers unit to protect farmers, farmlands, and agro-related investments across the country.

Audi was appointed Commandant General in February 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He has retired after attaining the mandatory age of 60. His successor has yet to be appointed.