Nigerian Army, NSCDC Strengthen Security Partnership in Edo

From Ebohon Joan

The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening intelligence sharing and joint security operations to tackle crime and safeguard critical national assets in Edo State.

The assurance was given by the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General A.O. Balogun, during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, at the Corps’ headquarters in Benin City on Monday.

Brigadier General Balogun, who was welcomed with a guard of honour by NSCDC personnel, praised the longstanding working relationship between the Army and the Corps, describing it as a partnership that has continued to yield positive results in the fight against criminal activities.

He thanked the NSCDC leadership for the warm reception and noted that the collaboration between both agencies has remained vital to strengthening security across the country.

Reflecting on the history of the partnership, Balogun recalled participating in the training of the first batch of NSCDC officers as a member of the 4th Battalion in 2000. He said the professionalism, discipline and dedication displayed by the pioneer officers convinced him that the Corps would grow into a strong security institution.

The Brigade Commander also revealed that suspects arrested by the Army for offences within the statutory responsibilities of the NSCDC are usually handed over to the Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He assured the Command that the Nigerian Army would continue to enhance intelligence sharing and joint operations with the NSCDC to ensure criminals have no safe haven in Edo State.

In his response, Commandant Ayinla described the visit as another sign of the strong relationship between both security agencies. He noted that the partnership dates back several decades, adding that the NSCDC supported civil defence efforts during the Nigerian Civil War through public safety awareness and assistance to wounded soldiers.

Ayinla described the relationship between the Army and the NSCDC as one built on mutual respect, trust and a common goal of protecting lives and property. He pledged that the Edo State Command would continue to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Army through intelligence sharing, joint training and coordinated operations aimed at improving security across the State.