The Commandant General (CG), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, on Thursday inaugurated a tactical training ground and obstacle course for personnel of the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory command.

The 1.5-hectare training ground is newly built by the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, and situated at the command headquarters at Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Mr Audi, in his remarks, said that the project aligned perfectly with the corps’ vision to build a modern, intelligence-driven and technologically compliant corps capable of addressing both conventional and emerging security threats.

“These threats demand a skilled, competent, well-trained and highly motivated workforce who are physically, mentally, and emotionally alert to their responsibilities with a touch of professional excellence.

“This tactical training ground will provide a realistic environment where our officers and men can improve on their physical fitness, tactical manoeuvres, endurance, confidence, teamwork and operational readiness before deployment to various assignments.

“Training and re-training is therefore not optional, but an operational strategic importance as no organisation can attain sustainable excellence without paying adequate attention to the training and welfare of its personnel,” he said.

The CG charged officers and men of the FCT command to maximise the opportunities the training facility offered.

He urged personnel to remember that every exercise undertaken was ultimately aimed at protecting the lives, property and freedom of the Nigerian people.

“Train with discipline, professionalism and integrity as this facility places an even greater responsibility upon you.

“You are serving within the nation’s capital; the seat of power and the symbol of Nigeria’s unity, hence, your level of preparedness, professionalism and conduct must continually reflect the highest standards expected of the corps,” he added.

Mr Audi prayed that the training ground would serve as a centre of excellence for operational competence, not only for the FCT command but also as a model for commands across the federation.

The NSCDC boss commended the FCT commandant for the laudable initiative.

“The completion of this training facility demonstrates foresight, dedication and an enduring commitment to operational excellence. It is a legacy project that will continue to enhance the capacity of the corps’ personnel for many years to come.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed me to begin the process of an upgrade of this training ground to a standard level. This is a very good innovation and initiative,” he added.

He emphasised that the corps under his leadership remained fully committed to the actualisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The CG appreciated Mr Tunji-Ojo, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and critical stakeholders whose support continued to strengthen the mandate of the NSCDC.

He applauded the cooperation of other security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, in ensuring the effective and standardised training of officers and men of the corps.

In his remarks, the FCT commandant, Mr Odumosu, said that the training ground was borne out of the need to better prepare officers and men for the increasingly complex security environment of the FCT and nation at large

Mr Odumosu said that the facility would serve as a strategic investment in operational readiness, as it would remain a centre of excellence where competence is developed, discipline reinforced and operational confidence built.

“This facility has deliberately been designed to expose our personnel to realistic operational exercises that prepare them for real-life emergencies.

“Here, our officers will undergo obstacle crossing, endurance drills, tactical movement, rescue simulations, disaster response exercises, search-and-rescue operations, combat fitness, leadership development and other specialised training programmes.

“Every officer who trains here will leave stronger, more confident and disciplined to provide the best security services to FCT residents,” he said.

The commandant charged personnel to make good use of the training facility by training harder, building endurance, developing resilience and embracing discipline.

“Remember that every training session undertaken here may one day save your life, protect a colleague or enable you to save innocent Nigerians in moments of danger,” he added.

He assured that the training ground would continue to produce officers who embody courage, discipline, professionalism, integrity and selfless service.

Mr Odumosu expressed appreciation to the CG for approving the construction of the training ground, while also appreciating the FCT minister for his commitment to improving security within the territory.

“This project therefore stands as a testimony to what can be accomplished when public institutions, private organisations and patriotic citizens unite behind a common purpose,” he said.

He further appreciated several reputable construction companies who at one point or the other during the project, contributed immensely to the actualisation of the training ground.

In attendance at the event were FCT heads of sister security agencies.

(NAN)