By AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has trained 200 personnel drawn from various formations of its Zamfara State Command to strengthen the protection of high-profile individuals.
The State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, stated this at the graduation ceremony of the VIP Protection Training Course I held in Gusau.
Commandant Mustapha said the training programme was designed to educate, orientate and equip personnel with the necessary skills, discipline, endurance and ethical standards required for VIP protection, in line with the Corps’ expanded mandate.
He explained that the initiative followed a 2025 Federal Executive directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assigning additional responsibilities to the Corps.
According to him, the training is timely, considering the approaching electoral processes and the increasing demand for VIP protection services.
The Commandant noted that the two-week intensive training was structured to enhance the capacity of personnel to effectively and efficiently discharge their duties.
He added that participants would demonstrate basic drills and parade exercises relevant to VIP protection as part of the graduation ceremony.
Commandant Mustapha described the course as a landmark achievement, noting that it is the maiden edition among state commands across the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and second only to the National Headquarters.
He attributed the success of the programme to the sustained support and collaboration of the Zamfara State Government, which he said has contributed significantly to strengthening security operations in the state.
In a remark, Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across Zamfara State through sustained support for security agencies and capacity building initiatives.
The Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Security Affairs, Alhaji Yazid Attahiru described the event as a significant milestone in efforts to enhance the state’s security architecture and ensure the safety of citizens, public officials and critical stakeholders.
Governor Lawal commended the NSCDC Commandant, instructors and organisers of the training programme for their professionalism, dedication and commitment, saying that, the successful completion of the course reflects the Corps’ determination to build capacity and improve operational efficiency.
The Governor who also congratulated the personnel for their resilience and discipline throughout the rigorous training, urged them to uphold integrity, vigilance and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that as VIP protection officers, they are expected to demonstrate high standards of conduct, strategic intelligence and unwavering dedication to duty.
The Governor noted that prevailing security challenges require well-trained personnel capable of responding effectively to emerging threats, assuring that his administration will continue to support security agencies through strategic partnerships, operational assistance and sustained investment.
Governor Lawal further urged the graduands to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training with a high sense of responsibility and respect for the rule of law, describing their role as critical in protecting lives and sustaining public confidence.
Some of the personnel who spoke with journalist pledged to input in practice the knowledge acquired in discharging their duties.
Representatives of various security agencies, family members and friends had attended the ceremony.
