Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been enjoined to be professional in the discharge of their duties, especially during operations.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Dsc Emeka Peters, disclosed that the Commandant of Delta State NSCDC, Akinsanya Abiodun, gave the advice during a summit organised by the Armed Squad Unit of the Command in Asaba with the theme, “The Principles of Rules of Engagement and Professional Dynamism in Internal Security Operations.” Resource persons were drawn from other security agencies to handle various topics during the summit.

Declaring the summit open, Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, DCC Ezeh Benedict, noted that professionalism was all encompassing, including endurance, discipline, loyal, proficient, handling, cleaning, stripping, when, where and how to apply weapons.

The Commandant underlined the importance of the summit by saying that any security personnel ignorant of the rules of engagement: when, where and how to apply weapons, would cause collateral damage, if not disaster, in the society.

The 63 Brigade Commander represented by the Brigade Garrison Commander, Lt Col Raphael .I. Adom, in his lecture titled: “The Principle and Rule of Engagement and Professional Dynamism for Arms Bearers,” emphasized that weapons were also for self-protection and preservation. “When carrying the weapon, observe safety precautions, be professional, don't do things or take things that will put you under any influence,” Lt Col Raphael instructed.

Also, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Oke Sunday, in his lecture titled: “The Role of Armed Security Agencies in Internal Security Operations,” explained that the Police was the lead agency in internal security structure.

He warned against applying minimum force during operations which involve the use of tear gas, pepper spray, baton, as punitive measures.

Armed Squad Unit and the Head of Armoury, ASC Agah C. Wisdom, emphasised the need for arms bearers to always do the needful when signing riffles, taking over duty or handing over duty.

Agah advised security operatives to always ensure that their weapons were cleaned always, adding that the significance and importance of cleaning and servicing weapons regularly would ensure effective, efficient and maximal performance of the weapons.

Another resource person, DCC MI Danlame, the NSCDC Component Commander Joint Task Force South South Operations Delta Safe, spoke on: “Internal Security Operations, the Role of NSCDC in Critical Assets Protection and Anti Vandalism.”

Various Heads of Department, and Units, drawn from the Intelligent and Investigations, Legal, Anti Vandal, Counter Terrorism Units, Agro Rangers, Operations and Administration and Personnel, also took turns to deliver their papers.

The high point of the summit was the question and answer session, which availed the participants opportunity to ask questions with regard to weapon handling and general operations.

•Delta NSCDC Commandant Akinsanya Abiodun’s rep, DCC Ezeh Benedict, in a group photograph with summit participants