The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has officially retired after 30 years of service, including five years as the head of the security agency.
Speaking at his pull-out ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the outgoing CG reflected on his tenure, highlighting notable achievements in combating oil theft, modernising the Corps, and responding to humanitarian crises. He disclosed that about 283 illegal refineries were destroyed under his leadership.
Addressing the asymmetric security challenges in Nigeria, Prof. Audi noted that the NSCDC has become a frontline agency for managing humanitarian crises, working closely with sister security agencies to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by insurgent activities.
“The hallmark of my administration has been a rigorous crackdown on economic sabotage,” he said, providing a statistical overview of Corps operations from March 2021 to date: 4,677 suspected economic saboteurs arrested, 2,039 prosecutions ongoing, and 638 convictions secured.
Prof. Audi also emphasised the importance of staff development, noting that his administration prioritised aggressive training in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and arms handling. During his tenure, the Corps established the Command and Staff College in Jos and the College of Arms Squad and Support Services in Nasarawa, along with a standardised curriculum across all training schools to formalise career progression.
On private security regulation, he revealed that 376 new Private Guard Companies (PGCs) were registered, 3,800 licenses renewed, and 443 firms were sealed for failing to meet operational standards.
Appointed Commandant General in February 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Audi expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their mentorship and support throughout his tenure.
Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga, Nasarawa State, Prof. Audi holds a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and a Master’s degree in Public Business Administration from the University of Calabar. A member of the National Institute (mni), he rose through the ranks, serving in roles such as Divisional Officer in Obi and Lafia, Head of Operations/Intelligence in Nasarawa State, Provost of the NSCDC Training College in Katsina, and Commandant in Imo State.
Prof. Audi attributed the successes of his tenure to the dedication of his lieutenants and the rank and file of the Corps, noting that the collaboration and commitment of the personnel made the milestones achieved possible.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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