Desmond Agu, a retired Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has cautioned against merging the NSCDC with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Agu, who served as a commandant in six states before his retirement, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to reject any lobbying efforts for such a merger, as it could exacerbate the country's security challenges.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Agu highlighted the multifaceted nature of Nigeria's security challenges, noting that a variety of coordinated approaches were necessary to address them effectively. He emphasized the significant role that the NSCDC plays in filling part of the security void and urged the government to recognize and preserve the unique responsibilities of the corps.
Agu pointed out that merging the NSCDC with the police would undermine the NSCDC's special purpose as a security vehicle. He cited the corps' roles in protecting critical national infrastructures, monitoring private security companies, and other specialized tasks that would be compromised by such a merger.
Referencing the Federal Government's white paper on the Orosonya Report, Agu highlighted the recognition of the NSCDC's special roles and the recommendation to strengthen the corps as an independent entity. He emphasized the importance of financing the NSCDC adequately to ensure it can continue performing its critical functions and building public confidence in its activities.
