The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a nationwide deployment of advanced tactical equipment to enhance security operations and safeguard critical infrastructure, the corps’ Commandant-General, Audi Abubakar, announced on Friday.
The rollout took place during the NSCDC’s annual strategic meeting at its national headquarters in Abuja, which brought together heads of formations from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
At the event, Abubakar distributed a wide range of high-tech tools to state commanders, describing the initiative as part of a new operational phase aimed at closing gaps in surveillance and response. The equipment includes drones for aerial monitoring, GPS tracking devices, situation room connectivity kits, night-vision goggles, body cameras, pen recorders, operational backpacks with solar chargers, mini tablets, bulletproof vests, helmets, and combat boots.
“These gadgets are provided to ensure the effective discharge of duties. In this new strategic phase, the corps is deploying advanced technological tools to address insecurity, combat banditry, and tackle illegal mining and logging,” Abubakar said.
He explained that the integration of these tools would improve intelligence gathering and enable faster, more coordinated responses to security threats, particularly through centralised monitoring systems.
Abubakar, whose tenure was recently renewed by President Bola Tinubu, said the extension of his service is a mandate to deepen reforms and scale operational efficiency across the corps. He also highlighted recent improvements in personnel welfare, including the clearance of unpaid salary arrears and timely promotions, which he said had boosted staff morale.
However, the commandant-general cautioned officers against misuse of the newly deployed equipment, stressing:
“The deployed equipment must not be diverted for personal or unauthorised use but strictly utilised for official duties.”
Abubakar also pointed to recent operational successes, including the destruction of over 400 illegal refineries and the arrest and prosecution of suspected smugglers and illegal miners. He said the new equipment would further empower specialised units such as the Agro Rangers, which protect agricultural investments and address rural insecurity.
He added that the corps will continue to prioritise intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration. The integration of drone and body camera data into a central system is expected to enhance coordination in tackling infrastructure vandalism nationwide.
The deployment shows the NSCDC’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen national security and protect both urban and rural communities across Nigeria.
