In a renewed effort to bolster security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has graduated an additional 200 personnel following an intensive eight-week Basic Arms and Weapons Handling Course (Batch 3), bringing the total number of trained officers to 472.
At the event, the FCT commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, underscored the weight of responsibility that comes with carrying arms, adding that ” a rifle is not just a weapon; it is a responsibility which must be handled with professionalism, restraint, and discipline.”
He said the ceremony marked a milestone in the command’s drive to build a more capable, responsive, and tactically sound security force.
Odumosu, who described the training as part of a broader, continuous strategy to strengthen internal security architecture within the FCT, affirmed that the evolving nature of security threats in the nation’s capital requires well-trained, adaptable, and mission-ready personnel.
He said, “This third batch of graduands is a clear testament that we are not resting on our oars. Security in the FCT is dynamic, and so must our strategies be. This training is part of a carefully thought-out continuum designed to proactively tackle emerging threats,” Odumosu added.
Highlighting previous initiatives, the commandant noted that the FCT Command, under his leadership, has conducted a series of capacity-building exercises, ranging from earlier weapons handling courses to intelligence-gathering workshops, investigation training, enhancement of provost duties, and even basic sign language classes for effective public engagement.
He added that the key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Crack Squad”, a newly created elite quick-response unit drawn from the graduating officers.
The squad, Odumosu said, is specially trained and tactically equipped to intervene swiftly in high-risk scenarios, marking a new phase in the command’s transformation journey.
“This team will operate as our front-line tactical response force, ensuring that when threats emerge, our reaction is immediate, calculated, and effective,” he explained.
The commandant expressed appreciation to the NSCDC commandant-general, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership.
In his goodwill message, the commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. A.O. Onasanya commended the graduating officers’ commitment and growth. He also praised their performance in joint operations, noting that the NSCDC in the FCT has consistently demonstrated operational excellence and inter-agency collaboration.
Similarly, the police commissioner of the FCT Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, encouraged the graduates to remain professional and dedicated in discharging their duties. “What you have received is not just training, but a mandate to protect with integrity,” he said.
Representing the FCT minister, the director of Security Services, Mr Olubiyi Sunday, lauded the NSCDC’s ongoing efforts to ensure that residents of the capital can “sleep with their two eyes closed.” He assured the command of the FCTA’s continued partnership in advancing security.
The event also featured award presentations to outstanding trainees, including Best Shooter, Best Female Instructor, Best in Weapon Stripping and Assembling, and Most Disciplined Officer. A ceremonial cake-cutting rounded off the celebration.
“The graduation of this third batch of trainees reinforces the NSCDC FCT Command’s commitment to building a robust, intelligent, and people-focused security force, ready to confront modern-day threats with courage and competence.”
