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NSCDC Begins Trainings for Newly Recruited Personnel Nationwide
Following the successful documentation exercise of newly recruited personnel into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) which commenced at the beginning of February 2022, their basic training has resumed across all states formations of NSCDC and the Federal Capital Territory.
Prior to the nationwide training, all the recruits were subjected to full documentation in batches at the NSCDC National Headquarters Sauka, Abuja, where their details including biometric data were captured.
At state commands level where they are to undergo basic mandatory training before proceeding for career courses, the new entrants are required to physically present themselves for the already pre-planned programme coordinated from the National Headquarters.
Preparatory to the commencement of the nationwide training, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, had directed Zonal Commanders and State Commandants to make adequate arrangements for the resumption of the training program.
The harmonized basic training is expected to progress simultaneously for three months in different locations across the country where they will be exposed to regimental orientation and the mandates of the Corps. Thereafter, they will proceed in batches for more training at the various training colleges of the Corps.
Recall that as part of strategies to upgrade the standard of the Corps to a world class organisation through training, Dr Audi had with the approval of the Ministry of Interior, inaugurated a 16-member Committee made up of members of the academia, security experts amongst others to develop a standard curriculum for NSCDC Training Colleges.
Led by the Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof SB Suleiman, the committee has already submitted the first draft copy of the curriculum to the Commandant General who expressed delight in the assignment and promised to set up an internal committee made up of senior officers to look into it.
The CG urged the new recruits to show commitment and exhibit high level of discipline during the training as this would help them to sharpen their skills for the task ahead which is directly linked to the security of lives and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, has issued a restraining order against human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, prohibiting him from further publishing, selling, distributing, or advertising his controversial book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke following an ex-parte application brought by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm.
The court’s order extends to Farotimi’s agents, publishers, distributors, sellers, or anyone else involved in the dissemination of the book, whether in hard copy, digital formats, or through electronic or social media channels.
The injunction will remain in effect pending the determination of a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, filed on December 6, 2024.
Justice Kekemeke also directed the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other security agencies to seize all physical copies of the book wherever found.
These agencies are required to submit an affidavit of compliance within 72 hours of receiving the order.
In a related case, the Oyo State High Court granted a similar interim injunction against Farotimi, barring him or any associates from further printing or distributing the book.
Justice Mufutau Adegbola issued the order after hearing an ex-parte application filed on December 9, 2024, by Adebayo Adenipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Afe Babalola’s firm.
The Oyo court directed Farotimi’s lawyers to be notified of the motion, which has been adjourned for hearing on January 7, 2025.
An Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT, on Wednesday, skidded off Runway 22 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, prompting a temporary shutdown of the airport.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the incident, which occurred at 10:05am, adding that five people were on board the aircraft. All passengers were safely evacuated without injury.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, said: “The Airport Emergency Response Team is on the scene along with accident investigators.
“The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible. We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience. We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).”
The evacuees were taken to the FAAN clinic for medical checks as a precautionary measure. The incident has drawn the attention of aviation stakeholders, while efforts are underway to restore normal airport operations.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged landlords and property owners not to raise rents and property prices following the inauguration of key infrastructure projects in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area.
While commissioning the Abiola-Ajayi-Ogba and Obawole-Iju-Ishaga road projects on Monday, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that these developments aim to provide relief to residents rather than add to their burdens.
“I appeal to landlords and landowners: do not increase your rents and property prices. The essence of the infrastructure built is to bring relief to the people and not burden residents,” he stated.
The newly inaugurated 643-meter road, featuring a bridge and slip roads, connects areas that were previously accessible only via makeshift wooden bridges requiring a crossing fee.
“I am committed to addressing the long-standing problems of communities, including flooding and commuting. These projects symbolise our dedication to improving Lagosians’ daily lives,” Sanwo-Olu added.
