Metro
Insecurity: Gov Makinde Set to Unveil NSCDC Female Squad, Promises Strategic Support for the Corps
In his determination to rid Oyo State of all forms of crime and criminality, Governor Seyi Makinde, has promised continuous support to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in carrying out its security duties and obligations to the state and Nigerians at large.
A press statement e-signed and released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) by the NSCDC Spokesperson, DCC Olusola Odumosu stated that, “The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde in his efforts to rid the state of all forms of criminality has promised continuous support to the Corps in carrying out its security duties and obligations to the citizens of Oyo state and Nigerians in general.”
According to the statement, “He made this commitment while on a courtesy visit to the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, PhD, mni, at the Corps National Headquarters, Abuja, where he congratulated the CG on his new appointment and expressed satisfaction on his performance so far as a pragmatic leader who has given the Corps a facelift within a very short period.”
Engr. Makinde maintained that his government will support and motivate the Corps in order to contribute more to the maintainance of peace and order in the state such that citizens can go about their legitimate businesses and be free to reside in any parts of the state without fear of attack, harassment or molestation by criminals and hoodlums.
He appreciated the CG for the deployment of Commandant David Adaralewa to Oyo State Command, and described him as a thoroughbred officer who has been working assiduously to fight crime in the state with renewed zeal and commitment, reiterating that his government enjoys enormous cooperation from all service commanders including the Civil Defence Corps.
He went on to assure the CG that he will not be far from the Corps and would try in his capacity as the siting governor to give strategic support to encourage, motivate and boost the morale of corps personnel to give their best and function effectively to fulfil his desire of making the Oyo State one of the most peaceful state in the country.
In reaction, the Corps helmsman, Dr Ahmed Audi, mni, appreciated the Governor for taking time out of his very busy schedule to visit the Corps, as this provides an opportunity to deliberate on some germane security and policy issues which is critical to development and sustainance of strategies to enhance the state security architecture.
Audi stated that NSCDC will continue to support the governor in his effort to guarantee law and order, peace and tranquility in the state by effectively delivering on its mandate and ensuring that all criminal elements within the state, including vandals of our collective wealth and assets are prevented from carrying out their nefarious activities.
He further stated that the new state Commandant has his full backing to deal decisively with lawbreakers and flush out all criminal elements in the state from their hideouts. Reassuring that the Corps will continue to safeguard lives and protect critical public and private assets and infrastructures in the state without fear or favour or any form of compromise.
The CG stressed further that the Corps will not condone any form of indiscipline or sabotage from it’s personnel or anybody whatsoever but will strive to ensure a peaceful ambience as the Corps Rapid Response Squad would be utilised effectively to promote peace and combat all the enemies of the state.
Dr Audi thanked the governor for his support to the Corps over the years and equally seized the opportunity to demand more cooperation and donations of equipment such as operational vehicles, ambulances, motorcycles to navigate difficult terrains, communication gadgets, protective equipment and so on.
He informed the governor of plans to unveil the Female Squad in the state to tackle specialized crime and protect the vulnerables in the state, most especially women and school children who are mostly soft targets with high ransom values for bandits and kidnappers.
The Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on his part commended the CG for putting the Corps back on track and assured of his readiness to flag-off the NSCDC Female Squad, coupled with some generous donation of operational vehicles which has already been procured for the Corps and other security agencies in the state.
In a move to enhance the mental resilience and professional effectiveness of personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, through Rashtriya Raksha University, the pioneering National Security and Police University in India, has concluded discussions to commence strategic partnership that will lead to result oriented capacity building for Officers and Men of the Corps.
Through the first-of-its-kind collaboration, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), 1000 FRSC personnel will undergo intensive training in stress management and emotional wellbeing in August, 2025. An initiative that underscores Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed’s determination to safeguarding not only the lives of road users, but also the health and wellbeing of the Management and Staff of the Corps.
The capacity development program aims to increase awareness of occupational stress/personal stress and its impact on physical and mental health of FRSC personnel; equip staff with practical tools for stress management, promote psychological resilience, emotional regulation, as well as foster peer support and a culture of mental health awareness.
Speaking on the partnership, the Corps Marshal stated thus:
“Our personnel operate under immense pressure every day to keep Nigerian roads safe. By investing in their mental and emotional health, we are strengthening our capacity to serve the nation with professionalism, empathy, and excellence.”
“The training program will leverage the world-renowned expertise of Indian professionals in stress reduction, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence, combining modern scientific approaches with time-tested wellness practices. Participants will gain practical tools to manage stress, improve decision-making in critical situations, and promote a culture of mental health awareness within the Corps,” he added.
The programme facilitators will comprise mental health professionals including clinical psychologist,
research officers and administrative officer from the University.
It is expected that at the end of the training, both Management and Staff will exhibit an increased self-awareness of personal stress triggers, improved skills in emotion regulation and peer support, Strengthened sense of community and psychological safety
and improved capabilities to address crisis situation efficiently.
This landmark collaboration reflects the shared vision of Nigeria and India to build resilient institutions that prioritize the wellbeing of public service officers, ensuring safer roads and healthier communities across Africa’s most populous nation.
The training is set to commence later this year and will run in phases, in 4 specific locations including the FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State, FRSC Marshal Inspectorate Training School, Owo-Alero with both physical and virtual learning sessions to maximize participation and impact.
Recall that the partnership between the University and FRSC commenced sometimes in March with the training of some of the Corps personnel in Gujarat State of India.
As continuation of that partnership, 10 personnel are already finalizing arrangements for Masters Programme sometimes in August this year to study different courses among which include; information technology, cyber security, data management and traffic enforcement.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has commenced the process of transferring the regulatory oversight of electricity market in Abia State to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) via Order – NERC/2025/058 in line with Electricity Act 2023, as amended, with effect from June 25, 2025.
The NERC said that Abia State has fully complied to the provisions of section 230 (2) of the Electricity Act 2023 and had dully notified the Commission and requested the transfer of the regulatory oversight of the State electricity market to Abia State.
By this transfer order, the successor DisCo in the State, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is expected to incorporate a subsidiary to assume the responsibilities of Intra State Supply and distribution of Electricity in Abia State.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the transfer of regulatory oversight of intrastate electricity markets from NERC to ASERA is in line with the promise of Governor Alex Otti to provide reliable electricity access to unserved and underserved industries and communities in Abia State.
He further stated that it will bring several benefits to the people of Abia state such as localised State-tailored tariff structures, which will set end-user tariffs that reflect local economic conditions, encouraging fairer pricing and better cost recovery.
Also, the commissioner said that ASERA can rapidly adjust rules and incentives to suit local goals such as supporting mini-grids or renewable energy projects.
He further said that Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency located in Umuahia will be able to provide a faster local and closer oversight which reduces delays in licensing, complaints handling, and issue resolutions to bolster local service quality among other functions.
According to him, the deadline for the transfer of the regulatory obligations is December 24, 2025.
Following a video in circulation condemning the Police community over neglect regarding welfare and retirement benefits of retired police officers by a retired retired Superintendent of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The IGP, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, has tasked the NPF Pensions Limited to urgently examine the claims, identify any possible lapses, and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the concerns raised.
The Nigeria Police Force is not insensitive to the plight of its pensioners, many of whom dedicated their lives to the service and safety of our nation. The IGP views the welfare of both serving and retired officers as a priority and recognizes that timely and adequate pension administration is crucial to sustaining morale and institutional integrity. While efforts have consistently been made to improve the pension system, the IGP acknowledges the importance of constructive feedback in prompting necessary reforms.
The IGP therefore reassures all officers, both serving and retired, and their families of the Force’s commitment to improved welfare, and to building a system that honours their sacrifices. He urges stakeholders to remain calm and patient as the NPF Pensions carries out its investigations and engages relevant agencies to ensure lasting solutions.
