Prof. Ade Abolurin is the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). In this interview with CHRISTIANA ESEBONU, he dismisses claims by critics that the time is not ripe enough for the Civil Defenders to bear arms.
He also assures Nigerians that its armed squad will combine the professionalism of a security outfit with its civil ethos of profound respect for the rights of citizens.
This, and many more are the issues the NSCDC Boss addressed.
Not many believe that arms bearing vision of the Corps could be realised but it has come to be. What will be the next step for the Corps?
The next step for the Corps is to get it to fulfil the dreams that drove it in the first place. This is? the beginning of many more things to come our way. It took us years to achieve this, from the time it was conceived to the time it was approved. We have set a target and are driving very hard. I don’t want us to get into this euphoria because people are already pouring accolades on us, but we are not carried away, knowing that we will get there.?
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Seven months after being given arms by the federal government and trained by the Nigerian Army, what achievements has the Civil Defence Corps recorded in the area of counter-insurgency and terrorism?
Although it is too early for me to start commenting, we have distinguished ourselves in all areas where we are involved. We have contributed immensely towards ensuring that peace is sustained in the nation. We have also recorded giant strides in reducing the unpleasant level of criminality that almost beclouded the nation and also in ensuring stability of the system. To the best of my knowledge, the corps, through its doggedness, has employed the necessary tactics and professionalism and has thus, ensured maximum protection lives and properties.
Efforts and contributions of the Corps to major security achievement may not be pronounced. Yes, this is because we have chosen to restrict ourselves to our area of mandate and we are performing creditably well.
We are not unaware that the question that rings in the heart of the common man today is, how many criminals have you killed? How many have you pronounced death on through your counter-terrorism and insurgency squad. The truth is that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is not a killer squad, but an armed squad charged with a mandate of salvaging the nation through improved security measures.?
The good news I have for Nigerians is that the Civil Defence Corps has already hit the ground running. Only in the last seven months, we have arrested 70 criminals from Rivers, 39 from Delta,20 from Ondo, 15 from Kogi , 3 from Oyo , 20 from Kaduna, another 20 from Niger , 2 from Akwa Ibom and 1 from Cross River states respectively, all totaling 250. 42 out of this figure have been prosecuted and jailed, while 190 are still under prosecution.
I must confess that the brotherly love and partnership extended to us by the military has yielded commended results, such as the joint arrest of pirates and 140 trucks conveying illegal goods as well as barges, cables and boats worth millions of Naira.
In Abia State, we arrested nine suspects over illegal ownership of refineries. The Corps, since the period under review, has also participated actively in disaster reduction and management in areas like Sokoto, Kano, to mention but few.
I’m sure you have noticed that the Corps is today involved in several other fields, to ensure that we contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation.??
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You were quoted at the last passing-out parade in Kachia, Kaduna, to have said that the Corps will deliver on counter-insurgency soon. How is this going to happen? Is this also to say that FG’s move towards negotiation with the Islamic sect is not necessary?
This will be made possible through our set out mechanism, tactics and operations. With the aforementioned, the Corps is confident that countering insurgency is achievable.
Well, I am also sure that you have seen and heard of the various measures put in place by government to win the attention of the sect group. No unserious government will try tirelessly to convince an aggrieved group to embrace dialogue that will, in turn, give birth to lasting peace and progress of our great land.
Our activities will in no way obstruct government moves towards an enduring peace. This is because we do not encourage war; we are civil and we not only preach it, we also have the good and protection of the common man at heart.
With this, I maintain that the negotiation for dialogue with the sect group is in order. Security agencies across the country optimally have the growth, progress and development of the nation at heart. We want peace in our motherland, but we must also be at the alert because it is our duty to protect every law abiding citizen and infrastructure in the country.
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In your discourse so far, you talked about redeeming Nigeria security-wise; what is the capacity of the Corps in terms of arms and equipment towards achieving this dream?
That is not to be disclosed.There are certain things that are not for public consumption. Even if other people do, the NSCDC cannot do same. We have been armed and that we will utilise for result.
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So how would you describe the Nigerian state, with the security challenge in perspective?
I have always charged those who are too skeptical and pessimistic that it is better for them to be optimistic. It is indeed very shocking to realize that failed people, failed persons and failed nations are the ones accusing an innocent nation and society of failure.
As far as I am concerned, the fact that they have failed in carrying out the basics in their societies, does not make our nation one. I acknowledge that there is the need to do more in terms of guaranteeing security of life and property in our country, but this does not mean that we are at the verge of failure. I maintain that Nigeria does not reflect those fundamental indicators or potentialities of a failed state.
Our institution has not failed as far as security is concerned. This can be attested to by the demonstration put up by my officers who are specially trained in various fields of endeavour. This is to tell you that we have succeeded in our desire to match government investment with results.
It pains me that, most times, rather than appreciate one’s efforts, those who belong to the school of thought of condemning, castigating and criticizing result-oriented strategies refuse to applaud your successes, but see nothing positive in your visions and attainments.???
Let me also reiterate the Corps’ commitment to forge ahead, in spite of the criticisms and discouragement originally aimed at deterring us. In fact, criticism stimulates our resolve the make our motherland retain its glory.
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What is happening in the Boko Haram insurgency has shown that terrorism in Nigeria has gone international and has, thus, brought to question the credibility of the security agencies in containing the menace; what is your take on this?
As far as securing the nation is concerned, security agencies are not lagging behind. Don’t forget that security is dynamic in nature. Again, let we note that no matter the level of? one’s professionalism and the expertise put in place,? criminals will not easily give up. This is because they too study our tactics, think and restrategise to counter our preparedness.?
Sadly, in Nigeria, the effort put in place by the security men is often felt and appreciated when there is no crime, but when crime is recorded even at five percent, we quickly condemn and tarnish their? integrity, as if crime should not be recorded at all.
Many Nigerian have the misconception that government efforts as well as that of relevant security agencies should not be appreciated but continually condemned. Let us for once have a clean and positive thinking of our great and peace-loving nation. Let us tell ourselves the truth: Nigeria is favoured and crime-free compared to other restive nations. We are not hostile as a lot of people have misunderstood us to be, and our environment, if genuinely assessed, is crime-free.?
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For many, the fight against insecurity is such a joke, as the Boko Haram Islamist sect seems to always get away with committing crimes; what, in your view, should be done to restore the lost confidence of the common man?
Firstly, Nigerians themselves must be confident and appreciative of government and security apparatuses who in most cases pay the price with their precious lives. They should always be positive in their thinking. I strongly disagree with those who describe this fight as a joke. Although they are talking from the outside,? I can boldly say that security operatives are contending with the situation without relenting.
This fight is lingering because our citizens have failed to carry out their role of completing our efforts by availing us with vital information that could expose criminals and put an outright end to this struggle. If they cannot this, then, they shouldn’t complain.
Anyway, in regaining the lost? confidence of the Nigerian populace, critics of government should desist from spreading unnecessary negativity but rather help in educating and enlightening the general populace about the position of things and proffer result-oriented solutions and the way forward. Notwithstanding, the Corps, as far as security is concerned, is not lacking in this regard. We are duty bound to ensure that Nigerians go to bed with their eyes closed.
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The visit of the new NSA to Borno and Yobe states on assumption of office has been viewed by many Nigerians as a good beginning in tackling of the Boko Haram insurgency, what do you make of this?
It is, indeed. I subscribe to that? school of thought. That move was for the best interest of the nation. It is a pointer to fact that government is earnest with its call for negotiation. It also shows he means well for our country. I want to appeal that the cooperation accorded the outgone NSA be given to him too.
? Nigeria will not break up, hence, our resolve to make sacrifices with our blood and resources. Nigeria must be made a big success, not forgetting also that security challenges in a given society cannot be solved at once. May I on this note advise leaders desist from making inciting utterances, and to realise that they are basic instruments and necessities of our national development and growth.
I know that Nigerians are desperate for a change; let me assure them that harvest time is coming, so we should keep going.
Some people believe that there is a satanic collaboration between the elite, some security stakeholders and the dreaded sect group; could this be true?
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?? It is only God that knows better.
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Indiscipline and corruption has remained a major challenge within the security sector; is the Corps different from others in this regard?
Like I stated earlier, if we have demonstrated our might by arresting over 150 criminals and sentenced 42,? with others being prosecuted, just between January? and now without compromise, it then means that corruption is not in our blood stream. If there is anything we hold in high esteem, it is our slogan which says: ‘collect bribe and die. Compromise and be kidnapped’.
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The NSCDC engages its peronnel in many? capacity building programmes; what is being done to ensure sustainability ?
I don’t have to disclose that, but I assure you that it will be sustained since our system also encourages motivation, incentives.??
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How much of an asset is the Civil Defence Academy?
Well, you know we have specialised institutions in the academy. So many agencies have indicated interest in our training facilities and, in most cases, want to enroll. This? is to tell you that our institutions are not moribund, but has been adjudged as the best.
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For the records, where are these institutions located?
We have the College of Peace and Disaster Studies in Katsina, the College of Security Management is located in Abeokuta while the Civil Defence Academy is located in Sauka, along airport road,Abuja.
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Sir,? with your track record in the Civil Defence, you make leadership look so simple, is it?
Leadership entails many things. First of all, you have got to win the confidence of the fellowership and when you have the confidence and vision as to where the leadership is driving the followership to, then leadership becomes not easy but fluid.
There are always challenges and that is why it will never be easy. There’ll always be challenges and hurdles that have to be overcome. But knowing that you have the confidence of the people whom you profess to lead, that assurance makes leadership very fluid.
You know, when you see a driver who has the control of a car and who is sure of where he is taking the car to, and he knows the destination, he knows the road, he drives with confidence in spite of speed bumps, potholes, dangerous bends, etc. Driving itself may not be easy, but his mien exudes confidence. Looking at him from afar, from outside,there’s a tendency to say he has made driving so elementary.
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Your last word?
I will like to thank every Nigerian and assure them that we will put in our best at all times on their behalf. I want to also request them to assist and partner the corps with useful information as any information provided will be protected.
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