The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determined commitment to national unity, inclusion and equitable development, declaring that the South-East remains a critical partner in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, gave the assurance while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Umuahia, Abia State, following the South-East Regional Security Summit held.

The Minister said the Tinubu administration is deliberately strengthening engagement with the South-East through sustained dialogue, strategic investments and inclusive governance aimed at fostering national cohesion and ensuring that every Nigerian enjoys equal opportunities regardless of region.

According to him, the South-East Regional Security Summit, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence and hosted by the Abia State Government, brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, youth groups and political stakeholders to fashion lasting solutions to the region’s security challenges.
He described the summit as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s readiness to listen to citizens, engage communities and develop solutions that reflect local realities.
“The message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is clear. Every Nigerian, irrespective of location, has the right to live, work and pursue prosperity in a safe and secure environment,” the Minister stated.
Mohammed Idris stressed that security remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda but noted that sustainable peace goes beyond military action. He explained that the administration is combining improved security operations with economic empowerment, infrastructure renewal, human capital development and social inclusion to guarantee lasting stability.

He disclosed that President Tinubu has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through enhanced support for security agencies, improved operational capacity, intelligence coordination and stronger collaboration among federal, state and community stakeholders.
Responding to questions on allegations of marginalisation of the South-East, the Minister dismissed the perception, insisting that the President has demonstrated an inclusive approach through strategic appointments, infrastructure development and targeted investments across the region.
He cited the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, the execution of massive federal road projects linking states and cities, the establishment of one of Nigeria’s three world-class Cancer Centres in Enugu and the inclusion of the South-East in the Federal Government’s rollout of 1,000 Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide as clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
“The stability of the South-East is critical to Nigeria’s overall progress. The perception of exclusion is not the reality. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring that every region benefits from the dividends of democracy,” he said.

The Minister maintained that no resources due to states are being withheld by the Federal Government, advising state governments to undertake proper needs assessments and prioritise projects that directly improve the welfare of their people, while assuring that the Federal Government remains ready to support developmental initiatives across the federation.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government would continue its engagement with South-East stakeholders, noting that the administration is not shying away from addressing genuine concerns and agitations through constructive dialogue.
On concerns over the nation’s borrowing profile, Mohammed Idris defended the administration’s economic reforms, stating that the impact is evident in ongoing infrastructure projects, increased allocations to states and programmes designed to stimulate economic growth, support small businesses, provide student financing, expand consumer credit and strengthen social protection.
The Minister also highlighted the role of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN) in promoting financial transparency, combating criminal financial transactions and expanding social inclusion.
He added that the Federal Government has intensified the fight against banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality through the deployment of sophisticated technology and intelligence-driven operations, while emphasising that feedback obtained from citizens continues to shape government policies and interventions.
Mohammed Idris reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to building a Nigeria where every region can realise its full potential, saying that peace in the South-East would attract greater investment, create jobs, strengthen businesses and further advance the nation’s collective aspiration for unity, security and sustainable development.

In furtherance of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening internal security through continuous manpower development and the adoption of modern technology, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, has commenced A5-day Strategic Capacity-Building Workshop for senior officers on “Technological Advancement in Security Management.”

The workshop, which commenced on Tuesday, 28th July and will conclude on Thursday, 30th July, 2026, is holding at Harriet Hotel, Umuahia, with participants drawn from the State Command Headquarters, Area Commands and Divisional Offices across the seventeen Local Government Areas of Abia State.

The intensive training programme focuses on modern security management, intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, prosecution, threat assessment, drone technology, wireless communication systems, digital evidence management, artificial intelligence applications, inter-agency collaboration and other contemporary security strategies designed to improve operational effectiveness and service delivery.

Declaring the workshop open, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Chukwuemeka N. Odimba, described the training as a significant milestone in the Command’s determination to build a highly professional, technologically driven and intelligence-based workforce capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats.

Commandant Odimba noted that insecurity has become increasingly sophisticated due to technological advancement and changing criminal tactics, stressing that security personnel must continuously update their knowledge and operational skills in order to remain ahead of criminal elements.

He explained that the workshop was carefully designed to expose participants to emerging trends in security management while improving their capacity in intelligence gathering, surveillance, criminal investigation, prosecution, risk assessment, cyber-supported policing, drone operations and wireless communication technology.

According to him, modern security management can no longer rely solely on conventional methods but must embrace digital innovations, intelligence-driven operations and effective collaboration among security agencies to achieve sustainable peace and public safety.

The State Commandant expressed profound appreciation to the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to personnel development and sustained investment in training and retraining of officers across the country.

He equally appreciated the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his unwavering support to the Command and other security agencies, describing the Governor as a strong advocate of security collaboration whose administration has continued to provide the enabling environment for effective security operations throughout the state.

Commandant Odimba urged participants to give maximum attention to every lecture and practical session throughout the workshop, reminding them that the programme was designed as a “train-the-trainer” initiative. He charged them to transfer the knowledge acquired to officers and personnel under their respective commands immediately after the training.

He disclosed that certificates would be presented to all participants upon successful completion of the workshop and expressed confidence that the exercise would greatly improve professionalism, operational efficiency and service delivery across the Command.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Commandant General, the Zonal Commander, Zone 5 Headquarters, Owerri, Dr. Ahmed Ahmed Gandi, conveyed the sincere apologies of Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi for his inability to attend the programme due to unavoidable official engagements.

According to Dr. Gandi, the Commandant General had originally intended to personally declare the workshop open, a development which clearly demonstrates the high premium the Corps’ leadership places on continuous capacity building and professional development.

Presenting the goodwill message of the Commandant General, Dr. Gandi stated that today’s security environment demands a new generation of officers equipped not only with courage and discipline but also with technological competence, analytical skills, emotional intelligence and professional ethics.

He noted that criminal activities have become increasingly complex and technology-driven, making continuous education indispensable for every security professional.

The Commandant General explained that the workshop would equip officers with updated knowledge in intelligence gathering, intelligence analysis, criminal investigation, prosecution, digital evidence management, drone deployment, artificial intelligence, integrated communication systems, risk assessment and modern operational planning.

He stressed that effective security management is no longer measured solely by physical strength or the use of force but by intelligence-led operations, professionalism, teamwork, strategic communication, emotional control and the ability to make sound operational decisions under pressure.

Professor Audi further observed that modern security institutions across the world are gradually migrating from isolated operational systems to integrated security management platforms that combine surveillance cameras, access control systems, alarm monitoring, intelligence databases, incident reporting and advanced analytics into a single operational framework.

According to him, artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool for processing huge volumes of intelligence reports, reducing false alarms, identifying emerging threats and supporting faster operational decision-making.

He explained that mobile operational applications now enable field officers to verify patrol activities, submit incident reports in real time and maintain seamless communication with command centres.

The Commandant General also highlighted the growing importance of digital evidence in criminal investigations, noting that mobile phone records, location data, messaging logs, digital footprints and forensic documentation have become vital tools in successful criminal prosecution.

He maintained that the increasing use of technology in criminal justice administration requires investigators to maintain proper chain of custody, standardised evidence management and internationally acceptable forensic procedures.

Professor Audi further identified drones as one of the most valuable assets in modern security operations, particularly in aerial surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, disaster response, intelligence gathering, protection of critical national assets and rapid deployment during emergencies.

He equally underscored the importance of secure wireless communication systems capable of supporting real-time information sharing between operational teams, command centres and other security agencies.

The Commandant General reaffirmed that the Corps remains committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in the area of strengthening national security through innovation, institutional reforms, inter-agency collaboration and continuous human capacity development.

He also commended the Government of Abia State for its unwavering support to security agencies, noting that Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to improving security has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness and public confidence across the state.

Professor Audi encouraged participants to actively participate in every session, ask questions, exchange professional experiences and ensure that the knowledge acquired translates into practical improvements in their respective commands.

He officially declared the Strategic Capacity-Building Workshop open and expressed confidence that the training would produce officers capable of delivering more efficient, intelligence-driven and technology-oriented security services.

In his goodwill message, the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia State Command, Commander of Narcotics Leonard Nnamdi, congratulated the NSCDC for organising what he described as a timely and highly strategic workshop.

He observed that organised crime, illicit drug trafficking and other emerging security threats have become increasingly sophisticated, making technological innovation and continuous personnel training indispensable.

According to him, no single security agency can effectively address contemporary security challenges without strong collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

Commander Nnamdi reaffirmed the commitment of the NDLEA to sustaining its robust partnership with the NSCDC and other security agencies towards safeguarding lives and property in Abia State.

Also delivering a goodwill message, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu commended the foresight of the NSCDC leadership in organising the workshop and stressed the importance of integrating drone technology, wireless communication and intelligence gathering into daily security operations.

He reaffirmed the readiness of stakeholders to continue collaborating with the Corps in promoting peace, public safety and sustainable development across the state.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commodore MacDonald Rit Ubah, applauded the NSCDC for its professionalism and resilience in complementing other security agencies in maintaining peace and security throughout Abia State.

He disclosed that the effective collaboration among security agencies under the administration of Governor Alex Otti has contributed significantly to the remarkable improvement in the security situation across the state.

Commander Ubah urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the workshop and ensure that the knowledge acquired is replicated across Area Commands, Divisions and operational formations in order to strengthen institutional capacity.

Speaking with the Press,shortly after the opening ceremony, the Zonal Commander, Dr. Ahmed Ahmed Gandi, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation, discipline and enthusiasm displayed by officers attending the workshop.

He described the security situation in Abia and Imo States as greatly improved compared to previous years and attributed the progress to sustained collaboration among the NSCDC, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the NDLEA and other security agencies.

Dr. Gandi reaffirmed that effective inter-agency synergy remains one of the strongest strategies for combating insecurity across the federation.

He further commended the leadership of the Abia State Command under Commandant Chukwuemeka N. Odimba, describing him as a hardworking and result-oriented officer whose commitment continues to attract commendation from both the Corps’ leadership and the Abia State Government.

The workshop is expected to produce a new generation of highly skilled officers equipped with modern technological knowledge capable of enhancing intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, digital evidence management, prosecution, drone deployment, emergency response, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, and overall operational efficiency.

The initiative further demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to professionalism, innovation, technological advancement, continuous manpower development and effective service delivery in line with its statutory mandate and the Federal Government’s vision of building a safer, more secure and technologically advanced Nigeria.

Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu
FIC Correspondent, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
28th July 2026.

In a renewed effort to strengthen security awareness and promote a safe learning environment across Abia State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, has launched a comprehensive statewide School Safety Sensitization and Reach-Out Programme in partnership with the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Abia State Chapter.

The initiative, which commenced on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, is designed to educate students, school administrators, and teachers on emerging security threats, personal safety measures, self-defence, and the dangers associated with illicit drug trafficking and abuse. The programme also includes the donation of educational materials to students and sanitary products for the girl child as part of efforts to enhance learning and promote the welfare of schoolchildren.
Launching the campaign at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia, the State Commandant, CC Chukwuemeka N. Odimba, FCIA, KSM, JP, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at building a generation of security-conscious citizens.

According to him, the programme is intended to instill a culture of vigilance and responsibility among young people while equipping teachers with the knowledge needed to respond effectively to security challenges within school environments.
“The School Safety Sensitization Exercise is a carefully designed programme to build a culture of security consciousness and alertness among our children and the teaching staff. We believe that if we get it right at this level, our society will undoubtedly become safer,” the Commandant stated.
Commandant Odimba explained that the sensitization campaign represents the second phase of the Command’s Safe School initiative, following the successful completion of a comprehensive security assessment tour of unity schools, colleges of education, polytechnics, and universities across Abia State.

He noted that findings from the assessment informed the need to embark on an extensive reorientation and awareness campaign aimed at preventing security breaches and creating peaceful learning environments throughout the state.
“This is the next stage of the Command’s comprehensive plan to safeguard our children, protect teachers, and ensure that schools remain secure centres for learning and development,” he added.
The State Commandant commended the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Abia State Chapter, for its unwavering support and commitment to humanitarian services. He particularly praised the State Chairperson, Lady Ijeoma Odimba, who also serves as the wife of the State Commandant, for championing programmes that promote peace, education, and the welfare of vulnerable children.

He highlighted the association’s numerous interventions, including security sensitization workshops, provision of educational materials, scholarships for indigent students, and distribution of sanitary products to female students, describing the initiatives as critical investments in the future of the state.
As part of the outreach, the team visited Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuda, where the Head of the Safe School Unit, CSC Umezurike Chinyere, educated students on personal security awareness, self-defence techniques, and the importance of remaining vigilant against criminal activities.
She emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and urged students to always report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities while maintaining discipline and patriotism.
Responding on behalf of the school, the Principal, Mrs. Ezenwa Ngozi A., expressed profound appreciation to the NSCDC and CDOWA for extending the programme to the school.
She noted that beyond safeguarding lives and property, the initiative would help build responsible, security-conscious, and patriotic young citizens capable of contributing positively to society.

The sensitization exercise has also been successfully conducted at Abayi Community Secondary School, Abayi, where the Principal, Mr. Francis Victor Pecker, applauded the initiative and appealed for its sustainability to ensure more students benefit from the programme.
Other beneficiary institutions visited include Ogbodiukwu Community Secondary School, Ogbodiukwu, Umuahia South Local Government Area, and Lohum Secondary School, Bende Local Government Area, where educational materials were distributed following security enlightenment sessions.
The NSCDC Abia State Command disclosed that the campaign will continue across the remaining schools in the state, with plans to ensure that every student benefits from security education, while educational and sanitary materials are distributed to support learning and improve the wellbeing of schoolchildren.
The Command and CDOWA also appealed to corporate organizations, philanthropists, public-spirited individuals, and other stakeholders to partner with the association in expanding the programme’s reach to every school across Abia State.

The initiative underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to proactive crime prevention through public enlightenment, community engagement, and strategic partnerships geared towards creating a peaceful, secure, and crime-free society.

Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu .

FIC Correspondent: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

22rd July 2026.