TheCable

Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, has charged officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to remain always at alert in the fight against insecurity.

He spoke during the passing-out parade for officers of the newly established all-female squad of the NSCDC, held at the training college of the corps in Kastina state on Thursday.

The minister commended the female officers, and urged them to use their training to make positive impact.

He also advised NSCDC officers across the country to take advantage of their influence at the grassroots to connect better with residents for collaboration on improving security.

“Our dear nation is currently going through some security challenges occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram insurgency, armed banditry, kidnappings, farmer-herder clashes, among others, making it imperative and absolutely necessary for security agencies to rise up to the occasion by re-strategising to provide a safe and secure environment, since it is beyond dispute that no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos, violence and insecurity,” he said.

“There is the need for you to be vigilant and sober at all times. While you may not readily know the criminals, the criminals know you. They know where you live and work. They see you on the roads, in the public transport system and at recreation centres. That gives them an advantage. You, therefore, cannot be lax. You are at war with invincible enemies. You cannot lose your guard at any moment.

“Let me assure Nigerians that our current situation is a temporary phase which will soon pass. President Muhammadu Buhari has given the law enforcement agencies a renewed charge to rout all troublemakers and restore peace to every troubled community in Nigeria. We shall not rest or tire until this task is completed.”