Audi Abubakar’s giant strides
Since his appointment as the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in 2021, Professor Audi Abubakar, PhD, OFR, has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s
- By Oladapo Sofowora
Since his appointment as the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in 2021, Professor Audi Abubakar, PhD, OFR, has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s security architecture often as an unsung hero. His tenure has been highly rated, marked by his relentless pursuit of vandals, economic saboteurs, and other non-state actors working against the nation’s progress. For him, service to the country is paramount; he wears the badge of integrity with honor.
Though he is not a loud personality, Audi frequently makes headlines for the right reasons. The manner in which he has steered the corps through numerous challenges is worthy of study. A trained administrator, leader, and listener, Audi believes deeply in teamwork. When President Bola Tinubu reappointed him for another tenure as CG of the NSCDC, staff across the corps celebrated joyfully relieved that a man who knows the organization like the back of his hand had been rewarded for his hard work.
While many of his peers chase shadows, the Nasarawa-born officer remains calculative and leads from the front. He is not the type of leader who gives orders without following up; he is always on the frontline, making the country inhospitable for criminals. Under his watch, the agency has recorded unprecedented successes. As the NSCDC is tasked with protecting critical national infrastructure, Audi has overseen tactical operations that led to the destruction of over 400 illegal refineries. He has also spearheaded the manning of oil rigs to deny vandals any space to operate. His leadership has resulted in the arrest and conviction of over 1,000 economic saboteurs. In coordination with sister agencies, he has helped drastically curb oil theft.
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In his characteristic innovative manner, Audi has also overseen the creation of the Mines Marshals, a special unit that has arrested numerous illegal miners across the country. He has proven to be a thorn in the side of illegal miners and those who fuel insecurity and banditry.
Under his leadership, the NSCDC has undergone massive reforms in capacity building and has carried out several covert operations. He has consolidated his vision by making information gathering and operations technology-driven, introducing modern tools such as drones to enhance aerial surveillance. As the reward for hard work is more work, Mr. President entrusted the agency with the additional responsibility of protecting Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country. Audi accepted the task and carefully established a tactical strike force well-armed and fully kitted to ensure VIP protection, alongside rigorous training on the nuances of close protection.
Through the Safe School initiative, he has helped reduce attacks on educational institutions by deploying personnel to secure schools and fostering a symbiotic relationship between parents and officers to curb all forms of vices affecting students.
As he begins his new tenure as Commandant General, Audi has charged his officers to be more professional and upright in discharging their duties. He has also reaffirmed his commitment to further capacity building, best-practice training, and sustaining high morale among personnel to ensure dedication to duty and adherence to ethical standards.
