In a comprehensive review of its annual performance, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ondo State Command has provided a detailed breakdown of its operational activities for 2025. The data, presented by State Commandant Mr. Oluyemi Ibiloye during a media parley in Akure, reveals a multifaceted approach to security and civil governance that extends far beyond traditional law enforcement.
Annual Caseload: A Snapshot of Civil Challenges
The Command recorded a total of 2,550 cases between January and December 2025. This figure represents a notable decrease from the 2,900 cases reported in 2024, a trend the Commandant attributes to heightened public awareness and improved inter-agency collaboration. The caseload paints a vivid picture of the state’s contemporary security landscape, encompassing:
- Vandalism of critical infrastructure like transformers and prepaid meters.
- Cybercrime and online fraud, reflecting the digital dimension of modern crime.
- Illegal mining and retail of gas, highlighting economic and environmental protection duties.
- Human trafficking, handled by a dedicated unit.
- Communal tensions, such as malicious damage to farms by herders.
The Strategic Shift: Emphasizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
A standout achievement in the report is the resolution of 345 cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This was facilitated by the Command’s Grievance Management Centres, which expanded from 25 to 45 locations across the state. ADR represents a paradigm shift from purely punitive measures to restorative justice. It is crucial for de-escalating communal conflicts, resolving civil and commercial disputes without costly litigation, and reducing the burden on the conventional court system. This focus on mediation and dialogue is a core, yet often underreported, aspect of the NSCDC’s mandate to maintain civil harmony.
Departmental Breakdown: A Closer Look at the Numbers
The scorecard offers granular insights into the work of specialized units:
- Anti-Human Trafficking & Gender Unit: Handled 101 sensitive cases.
- Investigation Department: Processed 498 cases, apprehending 551 suspects, with 31 cases still pending in court.
- Counter Terrorism & Anti-Graft Units: Addressed 410 cases including cybercrime, cultism, and threats to life, leading to the arrest of 164 suspects (96 male, 68 female).
- Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI): 39 cases were reported and promptly addressed. The Command highlighted capacity building and enhanced intelligence gathering for this vital function.
Proactive Initiatives: Training and the Safe School Programme
Beyond case statistics, the Command invested in proactive security measures. Ninety-five personnel received advanced training in weapon handling and tactical maneuvering. Furthermore, the Command’s female squad, in collaboration with the Safe School Unit, conducted vulnerability assessments in all 1,601 schools across Ondo State. This initiative aims to sensitize school communities on personal security, a critical step in preventing attacks and abductions in educational institutions.
Attributing Success and Looking Ahead
Commandant Ibiloye commended the support of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Minister of Interior, and the NSCDC Commandant General. He also praised the media for its partnership, emphasizing that “security is a shared responsibility.” The projections for 2026 signal a commitment to “smarter intelligence-led operations, deeper collaboration, and sustained community partnership.” This forward-looking stance suggests an evolving strategy that leverages data, community trust, and inter-agency synergy to build a more resilient society.
Source: NAN News. Edited by Ayodeji Alabi.
