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.

… Abia Secures ₦2 Billion Boost For Akwete Women

The visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, to Abia State has reinforced the importance of strong collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in promoting economic empowerment, cultural preservation and inclusive national development.

In a landmark visit to Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area, the Nation’s First Lady joined Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on an inspection tour of the famous Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society, where she interacted with master weavers and witnessed the centuries-old weaving tradition that has earned Akwete international recognition.

The visit, which culminated in a grand civic reception attended by government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, stakeholders and residents, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering local industries, preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and supporting women-led enterprises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a major highlight of the visit, Senator Oluremi Tinubu announced a ₦2 billion intervention fund to support the empowerment of women engaged in Akwete cloth production, describing the indigenous fabric as a priceless national heritage deserving greater recognition and patronage.
She urged Nigerians, particularly people of the South-East, to promote and proudly wear Akwete fabric just as other regions celebrate their indigenous textiles.

“I am here to announce to all Nigerians that Akwete belongs to the nation. It is a beautiful fabric that deserves to be modernised and promoted. On my own, I am donating Two Billion Naira to support this project,” the First Lady declared.
She disclosed that her interest in Akwete cloth was sparked after watching a documentary on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), adding that she had long desired to visit the weaving community.

The First Lady further pledged to wear Akwete attire during her husband’s second term, emphasizing that preserving indigenous culture remains vital to Nigeria’s identity.
Describing Governor Alex Otti as “a good man,” Senator Tinubu commended him for transforming what was intended to be a private visit into a historic celebration of culture and national unity.

Governor Alex Otti, while welcoming the First Lady, described her visit as a watershed moment for Abia State and the Akwete weaving community.
According to him, the visit represents a strategic Federal endorsement of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition Akwete as a globally competitive textile brand capable of creating jobs, expanding exports and empowering women.

Governor Otti revealed that his administration began revitalising the Akwete weaving industry shortly after assuming office in 2023, stressing that the Federal Government’s support would accelerate the vision of transforming Akwete into a thriving production hub.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the bold economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government, particularly the removal of petroleum subsidy and the floating of the naira. He noted that the policies have increased revenue available to federal, state and local governments for developmental projects.

The Governor also pledged the readiness of the Abia State Government to partner with the First Lady in establishing a modern production hub that would strengthen the capacity of Akwete women and preserve the ancient craft for future generations.

Earlier, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time a Nigerian First Lady had personally visited Akwete to support its women weavers.

She praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for delivering practical social investment programmes that continue to uplift women, small businesses and vulnerable groups across the country.

Goodwill messages from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Sampson Ogah, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the economic and cultural significance of the Federal Government’s intervention.
They commended both the First Lady of Nigeria and the First Lady of Abia State for drawing national attention to Akwete cloth and called for the establishment of a world-class weaving and production centre to boost exports, tourism and employment.

The event also featured the conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title “Ugo Nwanyi of Abia” (The Pride of Womanhood) on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her exceptional commitment to women empowerment, national unity and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The historic visit is widely regarded as a significant milestone in strengthening Federal-State cooperation and advancing the shared vision of economic diversification, women empowerment, cultural renaissance and sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the transformational development agenda of the Abia State Government.