By Kelechi Ogunleye
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has re-trained 135 personnel on weapon handling and combat craft.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Command passed-out 135 officers and men at the NSCDC FCT Command headquarters on Tuesday.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike said that the expectations from the Command in ensuring the territory was highly protected has increased following the training of personnel on arms handling.
Wike represented by Adamu Gwary, the Director of Security Services , FCT Administration said that the display of arms stripping and assembling was evident that the Command was ready to secure all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the FCT.
“We believe that with this type of training, threats on CNAI especially rail tracks will be a thing of the past.
“We believe the trained personnel will renew our hope in providing effective security services to the FCT,” the Director said.
While congratulating the graduands, Gwary urged them to implement the rules of engagement taught during the training.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu said that the trainees were the batch A of the officers and men to be trained on basic arms handling at the command level.
According to Odumosu, it became imperative to train and retrain officers and men of the Command to enable them tackle the emerging security challenges bedeviling the country.
He added that personnel had been equipped with the knowledge and skills in weapon handling after undergoing months of rigorous regimentation defined by global standards.
“These ones are ready to be engaged as the Command is better positioned to surpass our achievements so far in the fight against vandalism and the protection of lives and property.
“This training is a worthy step taken to curb the challenges of vandalism and other vices hampering the peace and development of the territory and the nation as a whole,” he said.
Odumosu congratulated the graduands for a successful training, further charging them to discharge their duties diligently without compromise.
“Remember to whom much is given, much is expected and so in the discharge of your duties, always remember the rules of engagement.
“Be professional in handling your riffles, protect yourself, protect your riffle, protect lives and property,” he advised.
The FCT Commandant appreciated the FCT Minister and the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi for their continuous and unwavering support to the command.
NAN reports that representatives from sister agencies were present at the event and personnel were awarded for being best in shooting range, assembling and stripping of firearms amongst other training techniques.