ENUGU–Worried by the rising cases of invasion of schools and abduction of students, the Enugu state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 107 Special Female Squad to protect schools in the area.
The Commandant NSCDC, Enugu State Command, Mr Aloysius Udemadu Obiorah, said during their Passing-out-Parade in Enugu that the squad has the mandate to enforce the Safe School Initiative of the Federal Government and to protect critical national assets in the state.
Mr. Obiorah stated that the Special Female Squad was part of efforts to engender a rebirth in the Civil Defence by trianing officers to be service oriented, while maintaining professionalism and integrity at all times.
“It is needless to say that the security challenges bedeviling our nation must be met head-on by officers and men that are prepared to courageously take up the task of defending the defenceless; being equipped mentally and physically and with a reviewed-up moral that shuns corruption and promotes patriotic service,” he said.
The Commandant maintained that the squad would tackle the issue of baby factory which he said had become worrisome, including, manning of all the boarding schools in the state to prevent invasion by hoodlums.
He noted that the unpleasant developments in recent times where school children were abducted while engaging in their academic pursuits in some parts of the country gave the reason for creating the special squad.
Mr. Obiorah stated that the squad was expected to tackle girl child labour, prostitution, trafficking and other gender related issues.
The Commandant, therefore, tasked the personnel to be vigilant and focused to the vision and mission of the Corps in the discharge of their duties.
“I say, be strong and determined as you begin a new journey to salvage mankind in a special way, knowing that you do not stand alone, but with a community of people who love a united Nigeria where peace and justice shall reign,” he charged.
The Commander further lauded the Enugu State Government for its support to the Corps.
Some of the highlights of the event include demonstration of assembling and disassembling of rifles and presentation of certificates.