TheCable

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has begun psychological evaluation of its personnel in the Katsina state command.

Addressing officers on Tuesday, Mohammed Sanusi, NSCDC commandant in Katsina, said the exercise will ascertain the mental state and competence of officers.

Sanusi, who was represented by Kizito Emaikwu, deputy commandant in charge of administration, said the exercise is part of efforts to reform the agency.

“The psychological assessment test is to ensure that all our personnel are competent and sound to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians, and also to ensure that all critical national assets and infrastructure are secured from destruction or sabotage by criminals from within or outside the nation,” he said.

“The assessment is equally aimed at ensuring that security operatives are not a danger to themselves or the general public, especially on the crucial issue of accidental discharge, leading to loss of lives of Nigerians in the hands of security personnel.”

Mohammed Sani of the NSCDC forensic and behavioural unit, who supervised the programme, said the exercise will improve the effectiveness of the officers.

“We are going to lecture them and issue them with questionnaires. Based on their responses, we are taking it back to the headquarters for forensic screening. After the forensic screening, a certificate of fitness will be issued to them,” he added.