The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps commemorated the 2025 International Civil Defence Day Organisation with a call for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement in strengthening civil defence and disaster risk reduction efforts.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the statement during his keynote address at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, Abdulmalik Jibrin, emphasised that the increasing frequency and severity of security threats worldwide highlight the growing importance of civil defence in safeguarding human lives, supporting sustainable development and protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
“As we celebrate today, we are reminded of the importance of preparedness, prevention, and quick response in the face of disaster.
“We are also reminded of the need for collective action, international cooperation, and community engagement in promoting civil defence and disaster risk management and reduction,” the minister noted.
Delivering the 2025 ICDO message, themed “Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population”, the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, highlighted the importance of collaboration among security agencies and stakeholders to create a safer world.
Audi reassured that the NSCDC remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and strengthening physical security measures.
“Non-kinetic approach has yielded good results in the protection of schools, engagement of school authorities, parents, community leaders amongst others,” he said.
The CG disclosed that the establishment of the Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshall, Agro Rangers and Special Female Squad has led to steady successes and achievements by the Corps.
He added that the SIS has arrested over 500 suspects, and destroyed more than 350 illegal refineries, Special Female Squad has thwarted over 48 kidnapping attempts on schools, while the newly established mining marshall has closed down over 170 illegal mining sites.
Audi also addressed the welfare of NSCDC personnel, symbolically presenting cheques totalling over N188 million to the families of more than 20 deceased officers as part of their insurance benefits.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, DCG Zakari Ningi, noted that ICDO is celebrated globally on March 1 each year to raise awareness about the vital role Civil Defence organisations play in protecting communities from natural and man-made disasters.
Ningi highlighted the NSCDC’s role in safeguarding critical national assets, crisis management, regulating Private Guard Companies, and gathering intelligence.
