Don’t intimidate citizens, NSCDC caution personnel

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been warned against intimidating members of the public while performing their duties.

The corps’ boss in Rivers State, Abu Tambuwal, gave this warning while addressing officers and men of the command in Port Harcourt.

He said, “I urge you to desist from engaging in confrontations with any individual who challenges you while discharging your statutory duties.

“Rather than confront such individuals, you should educate them, so that they can become fully aware that you (officer) are acting within the ambit of the law.”

He also said Nigerians expected much from the NSCDC, being the lead agency in the security of critical national assets and infrastructure.

“So, we must be absolutely committed and guided by the mandate of the NSCDC in carrying out our respective operations,” he said.

Tambuwal said the amended NSCDC Act, 2003, empowered the personnel to arrest with or without a warrant as well as detain, investigate and institute legal proceedings, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

“But, we must maintain civility, fairness, justice, and integrity in our approach to issues and avoid infringing on the fundamental human rights of citizens.

“We must show concern for the civil populace and come to their rescue during emergencies, as this is the bedrock of modern security system and compliance with global best practices.

“Consequently, if for any reason an officer is caught violating the code of ethics and standard operating procedures of the corps, decisive actions will be taken in due course,” he warned.

He gave the assurance that the command would continue to be diligent in the protection of power transmission facilities, oil pipelines, and telecommunication cables and equipment across the country.

According to him, the command will also give priority attention to training, supervision, monitoring, and issuance of licenses to private guard companies and rescue of victims during emergencies, among others.