‘Gun Trucks not for Law-abiding Citizens but Criminal Elements’

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has told his men that human rights of all law-abiding Nigerians must be respected, insisting that gun trucks are not acquired to shoot at good civilians but only criminal elements.

The instruction was given yesterday by the CG at the unveiling of three newly acquired gun trucks by the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command and the unveiling of the Special Tactical Squad of the command.

He noted that Nigeria was passing through a period of conflicts which required rugged solutions, hence the need for gun trucks.

Audi said: “As we all know, Nigeria is passing through asymmetric conflict which requires a rugged solution. The unveiling of these gun trucks is one of the strategic ways and methods of providing solutions to this present challenge.”

He warned officers against using the gun trucks to intimidate or harass civilians, insisting that the human rights of every Nigerian must be respected.

He said: “These gun trucks must not be used for the harassment or intimidation of civilians. They must not be used for molestation. You must respect fundamental human rights. These gun trucks should only be used for those idiots who have deprived Nigerians of sleep. You must carry out all these instructions with sister agencies.”

The Commandant of the FCT Command, Olusola Odumosu, appreciated Audi for supporting the Command with the gun trucks and facilitating the training and retraining of the squad over the last eight weeks.

Odumosu stated that the Command was now positioned to face crimes and criminality head-long in the FCT, adding that: “the tactical squad will be strategically positioned within the territory to get rid of criminals. As a command, we will continue to do all that it takes to rid the FCT of criminal elements.”

The commandant, however, appealed to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to support the Command with more equipment and gadgets to help carry out their duties effectively.

Odumosu appealed: “It may interest you to know that for the corps to be properly positioned for enhanced service delivery, the FCT Command needs more operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication gadgets, protective wears and other vital equipment to properly and effectively function.

“The need for effective coverage of various suburbs in the six Area Councils necessitated the above requests.”

He also solicited that relevant departments at the FCT Administration renovate and put the command back in shape.

Wike, who was represented by the Director, Department of Security Services, FCTA, Adamu Gwari, pledged support for the Command while urging the squad to be at their best.

He said: ‘Wike is ever ready to support our security agencies for optimum performance. To the trained squad, make judicious use of this equipment and contribute your quota to the safety and security of the territory. We want to see the products of your efforts where residents will sleep with their eyes closed. Protect the critical infrastructure of the FCT against vandals.”

Earlier, the CG inaugurated a newly built furnished accommodation in Kwali Area Council, FCT donated by the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Danladi Chiya.