The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned paramilitary officers against abusing the rights of Nigerians, saying the uniforms they wear and weapons they bear are to defend the defenceless.

The minister gave the warning while on inspection tour to the headquarters of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday, in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo, who expressed delight at the capabilities of the service, urged the Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, to continue to use his skills to bring to bear innovative ideas on the personnel.

The minister also commended the personnel of the corps who won medals for Nigeria at continental and international sports events, promising automatic promotions for the duo involved.

He thanked the officers for the sacrifices they had been making on daily basis just to ensure that Nigerians sleep with their two eyes closed.

“I want to plead with you to treat Nigerians with respect in all you do. Mere fact that you are in uniform does mean you should abuse the rights of Nigerians. Please treat Nigerians with respect.

“The female squad is novel within our clime and this is what Nigeria is about. This is the Nigerian spirit innovation backed up with excellence.

“With the capacity that I have seen today, I know we are not too far from what we need to secure our country. The ministry will give you the needed support.

“Together we will build a security architecture that no level of insecurity can penetrate in any way.

“In line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of present administration, the ministry will not just be there for you, the government will have your backing.

“Your job is very key, and with proper efforts, harnessing your qualities coupled with dedication, the simple truth is that we can reduce the way our armed forces are being over stretched.”

He assured them that whatever was needed for them to succeed, the president was committed to assist them to deliver on their mandate.

The minister reminded them that it was their responsibility to protect the nation’s critical assets as well as the mining sites, schools, hospitals, public buildings among others.

“We will do all in our power to ensure that the two African champions you have presented here are given automatic promotions.

“The era when performance and excellence were attenuated and perhaps some other factors were amplified is over.

“That era is over. When you perform uniquely, distinctly and exceptionally, you will be recognised exceptionally.

“I have challenged your C-G. You have wonderful ideas and programmes but it is time to walk the talk. The time for action is now," the minister stressed.

Earlier, the minister, while at the Federal Fire Service (FFS) Headquarters, promised to work with the service to enable them to carry out their constitutional mandate as custodian of fire management in the country.

He also promised to assist the service to acquire more modern fire fighting equipment to enable it achieve timely response to any fire incident in the country.

Tunji-Ojo promised to decentralise the service emergency response capabilities for effective and efficient service delivery.

The Controller-General of the service, AbdulGaniyu Jaji, promised to work with the ministry to enable it to achieve its mandate of protecting lives and property of Nigerians.