By Gami Tadanyigbe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has trained 14 officers in criminology as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence-led operations and enhance the Corps’ capacity to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
The FCT Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at the graduation ceremony of the officers who successfully completed an Executive Certificate Programme in Criminology organised by the Pan-African Institute of Paralegal Studies.
Odumosu said the training underscored the Command’s commitment to developing a professional, knowledge-driven and operationally effective workforce capable of tackling the evolving nature of crime and insecurity.
According to him, emerging crimes, including cybercrime, economic sabotage, vandalism, kidnapping and organised criminal activities, require security personnel to complement operational experience with sound analytical, criminological and legal knowledge.
He explained that training in criminology would provide officers with a deeper understanding of criminal behaviour, strengthen investigative capabilities, promote evidence-based decision-making and improve crime prevention strategies.
The Commandant further noted that the knowledge acquired by the officers would enhance the Corps’ effectiveness in critical areas such as intelligence gathering, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, crisis management, and the protection of lives and property.
He said the initiative was also in line with the vision of the NSCDC leadership to promote professionalism, innovation, ethical leadership, continuous capacity development and improved service delivery.
Odumosu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained personnel development through regular training and strategic institutional partnerships aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness.
He urged the graduands to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme with professionalism, integrity and respect for human rights, while ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Regard today’s certificates not merely as academic qualifications but as symbols of greater responsibility.
“The knowledge you have acquired should be reflected in your investigations, operational planning, public interactions and commitment to justice, professionalism and service,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director of the Pan-African Institute of Paralegal Studies, Mr. Olajide Olakanmi, commended the NSCDC FCT Command for investing in the welfare and professional development of its personnel.
Olakanmi described the initiative as exemplary, noting that the pioneer batch of 14 officers distinguished themselves through discipline, active participation and excellent academic performance throughout the programme.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between the institute and the NSCDC FCT Command would be sustained through additional capacity-building and professional development programmes in the future.