The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed a total of 41,886 high-technology surveillance devices and operational tools across the country in a major push to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance national security operations.
The Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Friday during the distribution of the equipment, shortly after the corps’ annual strategic meeting with heads of state formations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deployment cuts across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, forming part of a broader strategy to improve surveillance capacity, boost rapid response to emerging threats, and safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure.
Audi said the initiative signals a new operational phase for the corps, driven by the integration of advanced technology to combat insecurity, including banditry, illegal mining and illegal logging.
“It is aimed at improving surveillance capacity, boosting rapid response to security threats, and safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure,” he said.
He emphasised that protecting critical infrastructure remains the core mandate of the NSCDC, while issuing a stern warning against acts of indiscipline within the ranks.
“These gadgets are provided to ensure the smooth delivery of our duties. In this new strategic phase, we are deploying advanced technological equipment to address insecurity,” Audi stated.
According to him, the newly distributed operational backpack contains a range of digital and field tools, including a mini pad, solar charger, GPS coordinate tracker and a situation room connectivity pack designed to monitor and report personnel movement during operations.
He added that each state command received three drones, 50 operational bags, 200 uniform pairs, agro-ranger uniforms, blue conventional uniforms and white kits, as well as 200 combat boots.
Further items distributed include 100 bulletproof vests, 100 helmets, berets, belts, ankle and knee guards, operational radios, 50 electric batons, 20 chain cutters, touch-light batons, five pen recorders and 20 body cameras per state.
Administrative and surveillance support tools such as water dispensers, night-vision goggles, binoculars, as well as copies of the NSCDC Act, code of conduct and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were also issued.
Audi warned officers against diverting the equipment for personal or unauthorised use, stressing that the tools are strictly meant to enhance surveillance, ensure safety and improve operational efficiency.
The NSCDC boss disclosed that the corps has, in recent operations, dismantled over 400 illegal refineries, carried out multiple arrests and secured convictions in cases involving economic sabotage, including smuggling and illegal mining activities.
He attributed these successes to improved intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration, adding that plans are underway to deepen cooperation with other security agencies for more coordinated operations.
Audi stressed that the deployment underscores the growing importance of technology in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the renewal of his tenure, as well as to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their continued support.
According to him, his reappointment will ensure continuity in leadership and strengthen ongoing reforms within the corps.
Reflecting on his first tenure, Audi highlighted challenges such as personnel rank stagnation, delayed promotion arrears, inadequate regimental training and the absence of structured operational policies.
He noted that significant progress has since been made, including the development of a structured training curriculum to support career progression and professional development among personnel — a system he said was previously lacking.
The Commandant-General pledged that the corps would build on these reforms to achieve greater milestones in its mandate of securing the nation and protecting critical infrastructure.
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