The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), strengthen women’s participation in security decision-making and promote digital safety among young people through the implementation of its Gender Policy II.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, stated this at a two-day Gender, Women, Peace and Security capacity-building training organised at the NSCDC College and Support Staff Service, Udege, Nasarawa State.
The training was organised in collaboration with Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), with support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Audi, who delivered his keynote address through a representative, said the policy provided a framework for mainstreaming gender considerations into the Corps’ operations, personnel management, leadership structure and community engagement.
He stressed the need for effective prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related abuses and technology-facilitated violence.
The Commandant-General also called for increased participation of women in peacebuilding and security decision-making, equal opportunities within the Corps and stronger partnerships with traditional institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.
He urged commands and personnel, particularly Gender Desk Officers, to ensure effective coordination, timely reporting, appropriate referrals, monitoring and accountability in handling gender-related cases.
Audi described the implementation of the policy as a collective responsibility requiring sustained commitment across all levels of the Corps.
In a goodwill message, the Osu Ajiri of Edege Chiefdom, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Eko IV, commended the NSCDC for its presence in the community, saying its operations had strengthened the sense of security among residents, particularly farmers.
The traditional ruler pledged the support of his council in addressing gender-based violence, describing the protection of the community as a priority.
Earlier, the Commander of the College, ACG Jamilu Indabawa, said collaboration among relevant stakeholders was critical to achieving effective implementation of the gender policy.
The Gender Equality, Diversity and Social Inclusion Lead of SPRING, Mrs Amina Akano-Bello, said the training was designed to promote peaceful and resilient communities through early identification and response to gender-based violence, as well as the inclusion of women and young people in leadership.
Also, the NSCDC National Headquarters Gender Unit Adviser, DCC Ajet Kemi, provided participants with insights into the different forms of sexual and gender-based violence, their societal implications and preventive measures.
A retired Assistant Commandant-General, Ahmed Abodurin, who facilitated a session on institutional ethics in gender policy implementation, emphasised professionalism, accountability, gender sensitivity and adherence to institutional standards.
Beyond the capacity-building exercise, the Corps partnered TechHer, an organisation promoting women’s advancement through technology, to extend digital safety awareness to schools in Udege.
The outreach, themed “Stop Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence”, educated students on the dangers of digital abuse, responsible online behaviour and measures for staying safe in digital spaces.
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Interior, Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice and Gammuo International also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality, peace and security.
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