The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command and Guards Brigade of the Nigeria Army, have agreed to work together to rid the FCT of criminals and vandals, while securing the nation at large.
They also agreed to partner in more training and retraining programmes involving all security agencies in the sub-sector, and to operate more efficiently without anyone lagging behind in latest operational tactics.
NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, while on a visit to the office of the Acting Guards Brigade, Commander, Col. Olusola Onasanya, also known as ‘the Chief Scorpion’, in his office, said the two agencies have come a long way and must continue to support each other.
He said while there is an increasing friendship and good bonding between senior officers in the military and other paramilitary agencies, the same should be encouraged among the junior cadre in a progressive fashion till a full synergy is attained. He said: “If we can enjoy so much cooperation and synergy at our level, there’s a need to pass the same information to the lower rungs of the ladder too.
“My visit to you is more or less to fulfill customs and traditions. As far as I am concerned, we already have a good working relationship, and I am enjoying maximum cooperation and synergy from you already.
“However, the visit is also an opportunity for me and my men to get acquainted with you and familiarise with one another as we shall be meeting on the field in the course of our job.” Odumosu thanked the Commander, Guards Brigade, for receiving him, and commended the Nigerian Army for its maturity and camaraderie which has resulted in a long-standing good relationship with the NSCDC.
He said the rivalry occasionally experienced among security agencies must be discouraged in favour of more collaboration for effective security coverage of the country.
“The two agencies have come a long way and should continue to collaborate more effectively and progressively for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and other residents in the country.
“We are a product of the military, directly or indirectly,” Odumosu said. The Commandant also solicited for more collaboration in the areas of operations and training for his men from the Brigade of Guards Commander. He said his mission to make the FCT free of vandals of critical infrastructures, such as manhole covers, street lights, traffic lights amongst other criminalities, cannot be done in isolation of other security agencies; hence, the necessity for collaboration.
According to him, the Corps owed its evolution to the military, especially the Army. Responding, Col. Onasanya said there are already joint operations between the NSCDC, and other paramilitary agencies, which is responsible for the downward trend of crimes and security threats in the FCT.
He said: “If I need to consult, I will consult, If I need to take permission or approval from the top, I will, but the training would be implemented.”
Onasanya assured the corps that enlightenment will be intensified among the junior cadres, to foster a healthier relationship with other security agencies, to enhance a unified front for national security.
