The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has concluded a five-day sign language training programme for its personnel.
The training, which ended on Monday, was designed to bridge the communication gap between law enforcement officers and members of the deaf community often excluded from security and justice-related conversations.
Commandant of the FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the training marks a strategic shift in the Corps’ approach to public service, which underscore the importance of accessibility and inclusive policing.
“This initiative is not merely a training exercise. It is a strategic investment in the future of intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, and delivering on the NSCDC’s core mandates. By equipping our personnel with sign language proficiency, we are tearing down a long-standing barrier between law enforcement and members of the deaf community,” Odumosu said.
He noted that sign language skills among officers could significantly aid intelligence gathering and investigations, especially in cases involving individuals with hearing impairments.
The programme was organised in partnership with Data Lead Africa Foundation, with additional support from the Deaf in Tech community. As part of the next phase, members of the Deaf in Tech community will be embedded in key NSCDC departments to help officers sharpen their sign language proficiency through ongoing, real-world interactions.
According to Odumosu, beyond improving service delivery and access to justice, the Corps sees additional operational benefits in the use of sign language, particularly in secure or discreet communication during sensitive operations.
“This is a citizen-centred approach to law enforcement in its truest sense — building trust, creating a sense of belonging, improving access to justice, and ensuring no voice goes unheard, whether spoken or signed,” he said.
The Commandant praised the support of the Corps’ national leadership and reaffirmed the FCT Command’s commitment to deeper community engagement and continuous capacity building.
He said, “To our officers who took part in this training, I commend your commitment and your courage to learn, adapt, and embrace a new skill that will forever enrich your professional conduct and personal life. You are now ambassadors of inclusivity and agents of a more compassionate, more responsive NSCDC.”
