NSCDC deploys drones nationwide to boost security operations

Audi Abubakar,  Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), , has approved the nationwide deployment of advanced tactical equipment as part of a renewed strategy to strengthen security operations and safeguard critical national infrastructure.

The rollout was unveiled during the corps’ annual strategic meeting held in Abuja, with heads of formations from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in attendance.

Abubakar formally handed over a suite of high-tech tools to state commanders, describing the initiative as the beginning of a new operational phase aimed at closing longstanding gaps in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.

The distributed equipment includes drones for aerial monitoring, GPS tracking devices, and situation room connectivity kits designed to enable real-time coordination across commands.

Personnel were also equipped with protective and operational gear such as bulletproof vests, helmets, combat boots, night-vision goggles, body cameras, and pen recorders.

In addition, officers received specialised operational backpacks fitted with solar chargers and mini tablets to enhance mobility and efficiency in the field.

Abubakar said the deployment reflects the corps’ shift towards technology-driven security operations.

“These gadgets are provided to ensure the effective discharge of duties. In this new strategic phase, the corps is deploying advanced technological tools to address insecurity, combat banditry, and tackle illegal mining and logging,” he said.

He explained that integrating these tools into a centralised monitoring system would significantly improve intelligence gathering and enable faster, more coordinated responses to emerging threats nationwide.

The NSCDC boss, described the extension as a mandate to consolidate ongoing reforms and enhance operational efficiency within the corps.

Abubakar noted that recent leadership efforts had resolved longstanding welfare issues, including unpaid salary arrears and delayed promotions, developments he said had boosted morale among personnel.

However, he issued a warning against the misuse of the newly deployed equipment, stressing that all assets must be used strictly for official purposes.

“The deployed equipment must not be diverted for personal or unauthorised use but strictly utilised for official duties,” he cautioned, adding that any violations would attract severe sanctions.

Highlighting recent operational successes, Abubakar revealed that the corps had dismantled over 400 illegal refineries and arrested and prosecuted suspected smugglers and illegal miners across the country.

He said these achievements would serve as benchmarks as the agency intensifies its operations.

He further disclosed that the new equipment would enhance the effectiveness of specialised units, particularly the Agro Rangers, which are tasked with protecting agricultural investments and addressing rural insecurity.

According to him, the corps will continue to prioritise intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration, noting that the integration of data from drones and body cameras into a central system would significantly improve coordination in combating infrastructure vandalism nationwide.