The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has charged members of the Abuja Artisans and Technicians Forum to strengthen intelligence sharing and community vigilance as part of collective efforts to combat insecurity in the FCT.
Odumosu gave the charge at the Command Headquarters, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, while receiving members of the Forum who paid him a courtesy visit to seek collaboration with the Corps.
According to a statement by the Command’s public relations officer, DSC Monica Ojobi, the Commandant described artisans and technicians as critical stakeholders in security intelligence, given their daily interaction with a wide spectrum of people across communities.
Odumosu explained that “Collaboration with you is both strategic and essential.
Your line of work brings you in contact with people from all walks of life every day. You are well-positioned to observe, identify, and report suspicious activities that may threaten peace and security.”
He urged them to serve as community watch dogs by promptly reporting cases of vandalism, theft of critical national assets, and other criminal activities within their localities. He further encouraged them to promote discipline, integrity, and security awareness among their members.
The FCT Commandant emphasised that timely and credible intelligence from grassroots groups like the Artisans Forum is vital to effective security response, assuring them of confidentiality and the safety of informants.
“Timely information is key to our success. We count on you to be our eyes and ears in your respective areas, helping us to act swiftly and decisively against threats,” he added.
In his remarks, the coordinator of the Forum, Comrade Bamidele Ojo, commended the NSCDC for its proactive leadership, especially in enforcing the ban on scavengers (popularly known as Baban Bola) in the FCT, a move he said has significantly reduced vandalism and related crimes.
Ojo revealed that the Forum boasts over 5,000 members across 15 different trades, including carpenters, electricians, welders, tailors, masons, drivers, plumbers, and mechanics. He appealed for the Command’s continued partnership and operational support to ensure their businesses thrive in a secure environment.
