Yemi Obafemi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has called on residents to be more security conscious and promptly report any suspicious activities within their communities.
Superintendent of Corps, FCT Command, Aluko Emmanuel, gave the charge while delivering security tips to residents of Guzape during a two-day Security and Health Awareness Campaign organized in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja City and other partners.
Emmanuel emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and cannot be left to conventional security agencies alone.
“Security is everyone’s business. If you see something, say something. Each of us is an informant and an intelligence officer because the agencies cannot function effectively without community information,” he said.
He warned against withholding information, stressing that delayed reports could endanger lives and property.
Emmanuel urged residents to protect their homes and assets, remain alert to strangers, and instill security awareness in children.
According to him, residents must also adopt personal safety measures such as safeguarding their homes, valuables, and educating children on how to deal with strangers.
The security expert also highlighted the need to address social vices among youths by encouraging education, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, and sports.
He said youth engagement reduces crime and drug abuse.
The NSCDC officer further encouraged parents and leaders to engage youths positively through education, skills acquisition, sports, and entrepreneurship to curb drug abuse, crime, and violence in communities.
He also advised residents to leverage technology, including smartphones, to discreetly record, snap, or report suspicious incidents that could aid security agencies in preventing crimes. The security officer cautioned against harboring criminals and urged residents to know their neighbors, remain vigilant against intruders, and support vigilante groups and other security agencies operating within their communities.
“The first point of security is not the agencies, but the community members themselves. A safe environment brings peace, development, and prosperity,” he noted.
The officer emphasized that security is the foundation for growth, health, education, and development, calling on Guzape residents to work collectively to ensure peace and safety in their environment.
