Defence Corps Seeks Community Engagement To Curb Insecurity

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi State has called for community engagement to check insecurity in the state.

It said that security matters not be left to security agencies alone.

The state commandant, Francis Nnamdi, made the appeal at the NSCDC headquarters in Abakaliki during the decoration of Chief Collins Eneh as the 2nd patron of the civil defence community, Ebonyi State.
He said knowing one’s neighbour remains a critical step to preventing crime.

“When you know your neighbour, you know how safe you are. Security begins from awareness. If you see something, say something to the right authority,” Nnadi said.

He explained that the Civil Defence Community initiative was created to give a voice to ordinary citizens, particularly rural dwellers, farmers and vulnerable groups who are often victims of repeated attacks but lack access to power or resources.

“We are taking security to those without a voice, villagers, farmers, people attacked day in, day out. There is nothing like peace, and peace comes when everyone joins hands,” he added.

The commandant also disclosed that the NSCDC has been assigned additional responsibilities, including enhanced VIP protection, assuring residents that the corps remained competent, trained and capable of delivering on its mandate.

According to him, the achievements recorded by the Ebonyi Command were made possible through collaboration with other security agencies, community leaders and the state government.

“As a command, we came to reform and reinvigorate the NSCDC in Ebonyi. Today, I can confidently say the command is among the best, thanks to collective effort,” he said.

In his submission, Dr. Mmesoma Egwu, Chairman of the Civil Defence Community, described the initiative as a platform for the common man to actively participate in security matters and demand accountability from law enforcement agencies.

He noted that since its launch in March, the group has organised security summits involving the DSS, police, military, immigration, customs and road safety agencies, allowing citizens to ask questions and seek clarifications on security operations.

Eneh, the newly installed 2nd patron said the honour presented an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building lasting security in Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region.