The Commandant of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has charged the third batch of 200 personnel, who underwent basic arms training to embrace discipline, integrity and professionalism in the course of discharging their duties and responsibilities.

Odumosu gave the charge on Wednesday, at the NSCDC, FCT Command Headquarters in Abuja, during the passing out parade organized in respect of the newly trained personnel.

He said the training of the batch is part of a carefully thought-out series of training, designed to respond proactively to emerging security threats with precision, discipline, and professionalism.

The Commandant noted that the first and second batches of 135 and 137 personnel respectively brought the total number of trained personnel in weapon handling to 472.

“To the graduating personnel, I say congratulations to you all. But let me also remind you that this is just the beginning. The rifle is not merely a weapon; it is a responsibility. It must not be misused. Let discipline, integrity, and professionalism be your watchwords at all times. The NSCDC uniform you wear is not for harassment or intimidation. It is for service.

“Under my leadership, the Command has undertaken several strategic training programmes ranging from workshops and seminars on intelligence gathering, to advanced investigation techniques, to capacity building on the duties of our provost personnel, to basic training in sign language, training on Security Operations & Tactical Response, enhancing professionalism for armed squad personnel. I can go on and on,” he said.

Odumosu asserted that the training cuts across Area Commands and Divisions, adding that the initiative is part of a broader vision to mould a responsive, versatile, intelligent, and elite Corps that can engage with the public in every corner of our society.

“Today, we are not just passing out personnel, who just concluded basic weapon handling training. We are flagging off our ‘Emergency Response Team’ Another crucial phase of our transformation journey,” he stated.

He explained that the graduands will serve as a quick response unit, specially trained and tactically equipped to intervene swiftly in high-risk situations.

“We are deliberate in what we are doing, and our vision is clear: to build a Corps that is not only responsive but also anticipatory in approach,” he added.

Speaking at the event, the Guard Brigade Commander of the Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, commended the output of the personnel of the NSCDC as displayed during the parade.

He, however, urged NSCDC personnel to maintain the tempo to ensure that residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT will be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

At the event, awards of recognition were bestowed on some personnel of the NSCDC, who outstandingly performed in their various fields of service. Other dignitaries were also presented awards for their contributions to the success of the NSCDC.