Audi bows out as NSCDC CG, says 283 illegal refineries destroyed

By Omeiza Ajayi

Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has officially bowed out after 30 years in service and five years as head of the security agency.

Giving account of his stewardship at his Pull-Out ceremony in Abuja Thursday, the outgoing CG highlighted significant victories in the fight against oil theft and the modernisation of the Corps, noting the destruction of about 283 illegal refineries.

Reflecting on the “asymmetric conflict” currently facing Nigeria, Audi noted that the Corps has transitioned into a frontline agency for managing humanitarian crises.

He emphasised that the NSCDC has worked closely with sister agencies to provide critical support to Internally Displaced Persons IDPs affected by the hit-and-run tactics of insurgent groups.

Audi said the hallmark of his administration was a rigorous crackdown on economic sabotage.

Providing a statistical breakdown of activities from March 2021 to date, the outgoing Commandant General revealed that the Corps destroyed 283 illegal refineries while its anti-vandalism efforts also led to arrests of 4,677 suspected economic saboteurs, 2,039 ongoing prosecutions and 638 secured convictions.

“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,” he said.

To combat evolving domestic threats, Audi said he prioritised aggressive training to sharpen staff competence in surveillance, intelligence gathering and arms handling.

Under his watch, the Corps established the Command and Staff College in Jos and the College of Arms Squad and Support Services in Nasarawa.

Beyond tactical training, “we introduced a standardised curriculum across all training schools to formalise career progression and development within the service”.

The outgoing CG also reported a major overhaul of the Private Guard Companies PGC sector. During his term, 376 new companies were registered, while 3,800 licenses were renewed. To ensure strict compliance with national security standards, the Corps sealed 443 private security firms that failed to meet operational requirements.

Prof. Audi was appointed Commandant General in February 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga, Nasarawa State, he holds a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and a Master’s degree in Public Business Administration from the University of Calabar.

A member of the National Institute (mni), Audi rose steadily through the ranks. His career includes roles as Divisional Officer in Obi and Lafia, Head of Operations/Intelligence in Nasarawa State, Provost of the NSCDC Training College in Katsina, and Commandant in Imo State.

At his pull-out ceremony, Audi expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, as well as the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing mentorship and guidance.

He attributed the successes of his tenure to the cooperation of his lieutenants and the dedicated rank and file of the Corps.

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