The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has bowed out of service after 30 years, including five years at the helm of the security agency.
Speaking during his pull-out ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Audi gave an account of his stewardship, highlighting key achievements in the fight against oil theft and the institutional modernisation of the Corps.
He disclosed that the NSCDC destroyed no fewer than 283 illegal refineries as part of its sustained crackdown on economic sabotage across the country.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, Audi described the current situation as an “asymmetric conflict,” noting that the Corps has increasingly transitioned into a frontline agency in managing humanitarian crises.
According to him, the NSCDC worked closely with other security agencies to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the activities of insurgent groups, particularly those employing hit-and-run tactics.
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The outgoing Commandant General emphasised that a major hallmark of his administration was the aggressive fight against economic sabotage.
Providing a statistical breakdown of operations from March 2021 to date, he revealed that the Corps arrested 4,677 suspected economic saboteurs, recorded 2,039 ongoing prosecutions, and secured 638 convictions.
“In the past five years, I have discharged the duties of my office intelligently and responsibly. With every sense of sincerity, we have been able to achieve significant milestones and provide positive leadership,” Audi stated.
To strengthen operational capacity, he said his administration prioritised intensive training programmes aimed at enhancing personnel competence in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and arms handling.
Under his leadership, the Corps established a Command and Staff College in Jos, Plateau State, as well as the College of Arms Squad and Support Services in Nasarawa State.
He added that a standardised training curriculum was introduced across all NSCDC training institutions to formalise career progression and professional development.
Audi also highlighted reforms in the Private Guard Companies (PGC) sector, noting that 376 new companies were registered during his tenure, while 3,800 licences were renewed.
To ensure compliance with national security standards, he said the Corps sealed 443 private security firms found to have violated operational requirements.
Audi was appointed Commandant General in February 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga, Nasarawa State, he 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), Audi rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities including 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.
At the ceremony, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, as well as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his guidance and support.
He attributed the successes recorded during his tenure to the dedication of officers and men of the Corps, as well as the cooperation of his management team, reiterating the importance of sustained commitment to national security.