NSCDC inaugurates SWAT unit to tackle crime and criminality

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun Command, on Friday inaugurated a 23-man Special Weapon And Tactics unit to tackle crime and criminality in the state.

The NSCDC Commandant Mr. Philip Ayodele, who disclosed this at that the inauguration ceremony also said that the unit would also complement the efforts of the Nigerian Army to subdue and overcome terrorists’ activities.

Ayodele said the officers in the SWAT unit, apart from fighting insurgents, were equally trained to provide protection for Very Important Personality as spelt out in the NSCDC Act.

He also stated that their operation and duty also covered protecting visiting foreign dignitaries and going on a rescue mission as well operations involving endangered citizens in the society.

Ayodele said the establishment of the unit was in line with international standards, adding that the command was blessed to have a SWAT unit, being the first NSCDC state command to have a unit.

The commandant also noted that only the National Headquarters of the corps in Abuja had such unit.

However, Mr. Tajudeen Balogun, NSCDC National Headquarters Commander of SWAT, in his address, called on the officers deployed to the new unit to be up and doing in their new duty.

He also tasked them to put the knowledge they acquired during their training into full use while discharging their duties accordingly.

Meanwhile, Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, represented by Mr. M.O Jegede, applauded the corps for its outstanding performance in the state and urged the officers to keep the tempo to reduce crime in the society.

The highlight of the inauguration was the show of strength and tactics by the officers of the SWAT unit witnessed by important dignitaries and people from different walks of life.

(NAN)