Desmond Agu, a retired Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has cautioned against proposals to merge the corps with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), citing potential exacerbation of the country’s security challenges.
Having served as a commandant in six states before retirement, Agu advised the Federal Government to reject any attempts by individuals advocating for such a merger, emphasizing their lack of understanding regarding the NSCDC’s specialized security functions.
Highlighting the multifaceted nature of security challenges, Agu stressed the necessity for coordinated approaches to address them effectively, noting the significant role played by the NSCDC in filling critical security gaps.
Agu pointed out that the NSCDC’s unique responsibilities, including safeguarding national infrastructures and overseeing private security firms, would be compromised by a merger with the police force. He referenced the Federal Government’s endorsement of the NSCDC’s distinct functions in the Orosonya Report, advocating for the corps’ reinforcement to optimize its performance as an independent entity rather than merging it with another security force.
In his statement, Agu emphasized, “NSCDC was created by the Constitution as a special vehicle to tackle unique and critical security challenges affecting mostly the national economy. The corps is designed to protect critical security infrastructures such as oil pipelines, electrical installations among others.
“It is important to note that any attempt to merge NSCDC with the police will blur these critical roles and slow down the ongoing recovery of the National economy. Those who are promoting this idea for whatever reason should jettison it because it will not do the country any good.
“Since its establishment, NSCDC has been professionally discharging its responsibilities, building public confidence in its activities. What the corps needs is better financing to keep performing its critical roles and not this merger”.
