Mr Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command, has solicited the assistance of the Nigerian Army in training its personnel for improved security operations.

The FCT NSCDC Spokesperson , ASC 1 Mrs Comfort Okomanyi on Wednesday in Abuja, disclosed that the request was made during a courtesy visit by Odumosu to the Guards Brigade Commander, Col. Adebisi Onasanya.

During the visit, Odumosu said that with more training and retraining programmes in place, all security agencies would be able to operate more efficiently without any one lagging behind in latest operational tactics.

He said that there was the need for tightened relationship between all cadres of the military and paramilitary agencies.

“ While there is an increasing friendship and good bonding between senior officers in the military and other paramilitary agencies, same should be encouraged among the junior cadres in a progressive fashion till a full synergy is attained.

“”If we at our levels can enjoy so much cooperation and synergy, there’s a need to pass the same information to the lower rungs of the ladder too,” he said.

The Commandant condemned the rivalry occasionally experienced among security agencies and encouraged more collaboration for effective security coverage of the country.

“My visit to you is more or less to fulfill customs and traditions. As far as I am concerned, we already have a good working relationship and I am enjoying maximum cooperation and synergy from you already.

“However, the visit is also an opportunity for me and my men to get acquainted with your men and familiarize with one another as we shall be meeting on the field in the course of our job,” he added.

He added that his plan to make FCT free of vandals of critical national infrastructures can not be done in isolation of other security agencies, hence the necessity for the courtesy visit.

According to him, the Civil Defence came into existence during the Nigerian civil war, where there was a need to educate and also train civilians on self defence and protective measures in the case of eventualities of the war.

Odumosu further said that by the time the Corps became a full fledged paramilitary organisation, core of the training of the NSCDC were basically from the Army.

“The two agencies have come a long way and should continue to collaborate more effectively and progressively for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and other residents in the country.

“We are a product of the military, directly or indirectly,” Odumosu reiterated.

Responding, the Guard’s Brigade Commander, Onasanya appreciated the visit, stating that it signified a mark of continuous synergy and interagency collaborations already existing amongst all security agencies in the FCT.

Onasanya promised to consult with the Defence Headquarters immediately and find out how the training of the NSCDC personnel will be undertaken.

“If I need to consult, I will consult, If I need to take permission or approval from the top, I will, but the training will be effected,” he assured.

He said that enlightenment will be intensified among the junior cadres of the Nigerian Army to foster a healthier relationship with the NSCDC and other security agencies so as to enhance a unified front for security of the nation.

He, however, said that there was an existing joint operations between the Corps, other paramilitary agencies and the Nigerian Army which had been responsible for the downward trends of crimes and security threats in the FCT.