The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paid over ₦1 billion in compensation to families of personnel who died or sustained injuries during operations across the country in the past two years.
Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi disclosed this on Monday during an operational visit to the NSCDC Command in Ondo State.
Prof. Audi said the compensation was structured according to rank and formed part of the government’s welfare and insurance package for security personnel.
“Within the last two years, government has paid over ₦1 billion to our staff involved in operational activities nationwide,” he said. “Some were lost in action, while others were injured—some to the point of amputation. Government approved the funds to compensate their next of kin and those who survived.”
He noted that several beneficiaries, particularly from the North-East, received support last month, including artificial limbs for those who lost arms or legs.
Prof. Audi attributed most of the casualties to ambush attacks, a risk he described as “unavoidable in security operations worldwide.”
“If you trace the antecedents of ambush globally, there are always casualties,” he said. “We have, however, developed new strategies to better manage such situations.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their support, saying the welfare intervention would motivate personnel to serve with greater commitment.
The Commandant General said he had visited 29 state commands so far to engage with personnel, listen to their challenges, and provide solutions.
He urged officers to remain steadfast, assuring them that government would not deny them their entitlements.
“I am always grieved whenever we lose personnel,” he said. “This visit is to encourage you not to lose hope as you continue to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.”
