The head of Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has issued a stark warning about escalating security threats posing risks to the nation’s economy and stability. Speaking during an operational tour of southeastern Nigeria, Audi highlighted the compounding challenges of asymmetric warfare, illegal oil bunkering, and attacks on critical national infrastructure, stressing their potential to destabilize the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) if not urgently addressed.
Audi emphasized the connection between criminality and economic harm during a visit to Abia State on Wednesday, where he assessed security operations and infrastructure protection efforts. The NSCDC, tasked with safeguarding key installations like pipelines, power grids, and communication networks, has intensified its focus on curbing rampant oil theft and vandalism. These activities, rampant in regions like the oil-rich Niger Delta, have long drained billions from Nigeria’s economy through lost revenue and repair costs. “Acts of economic sabotage threaten not just security but the very foundation of our national development,” he stated, underscoring the need for proactive measures.
The Commandant General’s regional tour forms part of a broader strategy to evaluate on-ground personnel performance and strengthen operational readiness. During his stop in Umuahia, he commissioned a new office complex at the Abia State NSCDC headquarters, praising State Commandant Akinsola Aderemi for the initiative while urging heightened vigilance. Audi also outlined plans to improve welfare for personnel, including enhanced training programs, timely salary disbursements, and expanded insurance coverage, which he described as vital for maintaining morale and effectiveness.
Audi’s visit concluded with a meeting with Abia Governor Alex Otti, signaling collaboration between federal security agencies and state leadership to address regional instability. While details of their discussion were not disclosed, the engagement aligns with the NSCDC’s push for localized strategies to combat crime. The Corps’ renewed emphasis on infrastructure protection comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s fragile security landscape, where overlapping crises—from militia violence to organized oil theft—continue to strain economic recovery efforts.
As the NSCDC ramps up operations, analysts note the broader implications of securing critical assets in Africa’s largest economy, particularly as global energy markets remain sensitive to disruptions in Nigerian oil output. The agency’s efforts reflect a recognition that safeguarding infrastructure is inseparable from stabilizing the nation’s fiscal health and attracting foreign investment.
