October 05, (THEWILL) –Â The Coalition of Civil Society Network (NCSN) has called for the immediate restructuring of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The urgent restructuring, according to NCSN, is to reposition the corps in line with global standards and to support sister security agencies in the fight against banditry, insurgency and kidnapping, and other crimes ravaging the country.
The NCSN at a press briefing during a peaceful protest in Abuja decried the recruitment racketeering in the agency and  tasked the leadership of the NSCDC and the Federal Road safety Corps (FRSC) to emulate their sister agencies while conducting recruitments.
The Group also described the recent action by the NSCDC for publishing the newly purchased arms on its official website as unprofessional, noting that the NSCDC and relevant security agencies should not publicize their plans and strategy for fighting crime and criminality.
The group called for the immediate sack and proper investigation of the commandants of the NSCDC and the FRSC, and an investigation of both agencies.
A statement by the group reads: “We are all concem on the increase rate of crimes and different agitations coming across tribal groups in different part of this country and the need for the immediate restructuring of the NSCDC to support other sister’s security agencies and fight the high rate of crimes, banditry, insurgency and kidnapping that has ravage our today’s society.
“It is in no doubt that the NSCDC has not being effectively delivering her responsibilities to Nigerians since her establishment despite the huge amount of financial support from president Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, previous administrations and adequate budgetary alocations to enable them effectively and Diligently discharge of their statutory mandate under established Act 3 of 2003 with numerous security responsibilities.2003 IN ORDER TO ENHANCE IT’S CAPACITY TO PROVIDE PROTECTION, CRISIS RESOLUTION AND SECURITY TO PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURES, AND RELATED MATTERS.
“With the global pandemic (Covid19) and economic challenges being experience by other African countries, we no longer advice the federal Government to continue to continue spending unnecessarily while we have the Nigerian police force that operate 24hours services to Nigerians unlike what we experience at the NSCDC, hence we advice the National security adviser to being appropriate moves towards restructuring the NSCDC rather than continue to spend huge amount of allocation.
“The recent action by the NSCDC for publishing the newly purchased arms on its official website is highly condemnable and unprofessional, security agencies should not publicize their plans and strategy while fighting crime and criminality as enemies may use the second thought or publicly display their equipment.
“It is against this backdrop that we strongly move for the removal of the NSCDC and FRSC boss and call for proper investigation on recruitments processes of the NSCDC and FRSC.
“Regarding Job racketeering in recruitment exercise the recent times in most Ministries, Departments and Agencies where money is use in getting appointment letters has become normal and ensure federal character is respected as well.
“We equally call on the national assembly as a matter of urgency to swing into actions and commence moves for the total reforms and necessary amendment of the NSCDC act, while we thank president Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his relentless pursuit and support for security organization by approving logistics support, purchase of arms, security gadgets and impressive welfare packages for service men and women at the battle front that among other incentive treatment.
“This has, however, demonstrated the president’s willingness in addressing rising security challenges confronting us as a nation.
“Lastly, we hereby pass a vote of confidence on the national security adviser, the Nigerian Police force for their gallantry efforts in promoting dialogue, peace and stability and we appeal to president Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to double more resources for the Nigerian Police force while we equally pass similar vote of confidence on other sister’s security agencies like the department of state security services and the Nigerian army.
“We would equally take similar solidarity protest to the national assembly to register our position and the ministry of interior in the coming days from now and We shall continue to work under this platform of Coalition of Civil Society Network groups to ensure that Nigeria succeeds in a quest to restore the lost Confidence the system on the Nigerian youths.”
