The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has called on Kaduna residents and stakeholders to adopt proactive environmental practices to build resilient, sustainable communities.

The call was made during the commemoration of the 2026 International Civil Defence Day held in Kaduna.

The deputy commandant of the corps, Kalu Ndukwe, speaking on behalf of the state commandant, Panam Musa, said that this year’s theme, ‘Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future’, was timely and critical.

He stated that the theme underscored the urgent need to address rising environmental challenges, including flooding, drought, desertification, erosion, land degradation, and pollution.

“The world is witnessing an unprecedented rise in environmental risks. These are no longer distant warnings but realities we experience daily here in Kaduna state and across Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, Kaduna State has recorded flash-flood incidents that have displaced families and destroyed livelihoods, while erosion and desertification continue to threaten farmlands and communities.

The command reiterated that the NSCDC’s mandate extended beyond the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure to include active participation in disaster management, emergency response, and public safety, as provided for in Section 3 of the NSCDC Act.

He said the Kaduna command had deployed its ‘Disaster Management and Emergency Response Units’ during crises and had collaborated with relevant agencies to respond to flood incidents and enforce laws against illegal mining.

“Illegal mining remains a significant cause of land degradation in our state. We will continue to work with sister agencies to ensure offenders are brought to book,” he said.

The command urged residents to avoid dumping refuse into drains, resist illegal sand mining along riverbanks, discourage deforestation and bush burning, and participate in environmental sanitation exercises.

He explained that resilience could not be built solely by the government, describing it as a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of citizens, community leaders, religious leaders, and local government authorities.

The command also charged the officers and men of the corps to remain professional, disciplined, and vigilant in carrying out their duties, stressing the importance of integrity and readiness in emergency response.

He expressed appreciation to the commandant-general of the NSCDC for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the corps nationwide, as well as to the Kaduna State government for its continued support to the command.

The day is marked annually to recognise the role of civil defence organisations in protecting lives, property, and the environment from disasters and emergencies.

(NAN)