The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for a review of the name of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), arguing that the inclusion of the word “Civil” no longer accurately reflects the operational realities and responsibilities of the agency.
Oshiomhole made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of a book titled “Nigeria’s Security Dilemma: Rivalries and Implications,” authored by the Federal Capital Territory Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Olusola Odumosu.
The former Edo State governor said the current name of the paramilitary organisation creates a perception that its personnel are expected to operate in a purely civilian capacity, despite frequently confronting heavily armed criminals in the course of protecting the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure.
According to him, the corps is increasingly involved in frontline security operations against vandals, illegal miners, oil thieves and other criminal elements who often possess sophisticated weapons.
“To be civil means you should not bear firearms, so if you do not bear arms to deal with people involved in illegal oil bunkering or the destruction of public property, which you have been asked to protect, will you then preach while they carry guns?” Oshiomhole asked.
“If you want to be civil, how do you deal with hardened criminals? If these criminals carry sophisticated weapons, you fighting them should not carry less sophisticated weapons.”
The senator argued that the agency’s growing security responsibilities warrant greater recognition within Nigeria’s security architecture. He questioned why the Commandant General of the NSCDC is often absent from high-level meetings involving the nation’s security chiefs despite the corps’ significant contribution to internal security operations.
“When I see service chiefs holding meetings and I don’t see the Commandant General of Civil Defence, I am like, there is something missing,” he said.
Oshiomhole stressed that no single security agency possesses the capacity to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges alone. He urged politicians, security agencies and citizens to set aside differences and work collectively towards safeguarding the country.
He expressed confidence in the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackle insecurity, saying the government would continue to deploy every necessary measure to ensure the safety of Nigerians and protect national assets.
The lawmaker also commended the author of the book for addressing sensitive issues within the security sector while still serving in office.
“It is commendable that you put out your thoughts while in the system and not outside the system, as it is much more dangerous to speak truth to power,” he said.
Speaking at the event, security expert Professor Tyor Terhemba, who reviewed the book, emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among security agencies in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of organised crime.
He noted that the publication highlights the importance of intelligence-sharing, regional and international partnerships, security sector reforms, accountability and effective communication systems in addressing contemporary security threats.
According to Terhemba, the book underscores the dangers of institutional rivalry and the urgent need for collaboration among agencies tasked with protecting the country.
Author and NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said the book examines Nigeria’s security challenges from a holistic perspective and advocates a united approach to tackling insecurity.
“No one has a monopoly of wisdom or strategy, so there is a need to tackle insecurity from a common front,” Odumosu said.
He acknowledged the existence of unhealthy inter-agency rivalries, describing them as a major obstacle to coordinated responses to national security threats.
“Obviously, there have been issues of unhealthy inter-agency rivalries, which have been a pain to coordinated national responses to our security challenges,” he stated.
Odumosu stressed that all security institutions, regardless of their specific mandates, share a common responsibility to maintain peace, law and order across the country.
He warned that as long as security agencies continue to view one another as competitors rather than partners, efforts to effectively address Nigeria’s security challenges would remain limited.
The event brought together security experts, policymakers and stakeholders who echoed calls for greater collaboration among security institutions, describing synergy and intelligence-sharing as essential tools in confronting the nation’s evolving security threats.