NSCDC Trains 250 Personnel In Sign Language To Boost Security In Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has trained 250 personnel in its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command in non-verbal communication skills, specifically sign language, to enhance intelligence gathering and combat insecurity in the nation’s capital.

The five-week intensive training programme, organized by the FCT command, underscores the importance placed on capacity building by the NSCDC leadership to ensure effective security service delivery.

This initiative follows recent training of hundreds of personnel in weapon handling, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive skill development.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, commended the graduands, highlighting the move as being in line with his mission and vision to make Abuja a safer place for all.

“This initiative is meant to bridge the communication gap between our personnel and every member of society,” Dr. Odumosu stated.

He emphasized that the training enhances service delivery and strengthens intelligence-gathering capabilities, particularly in cases involving vulnerable communities. “In the 21st-century security environment, inclusion is not a privilege — it is a necessity,” he added.

Dr. Odumosu explained that the newly acquired skills will enable personnel to better serve and respond to security needs without leaving anyone behind. “We will leverage this skill to entertain complaints, carry out interrogations, and gather intelligence without relying on interpreters.”

He further acknowledged the support of the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, saying, “Your confidence in this command, your encouragement, and your vision have served as both compass and catalyst for all we have achieved so far.”

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, Chief Ayuba Burkin Gufwan, lauded the initiative, describing it as “a step in the right direction” and a “clear demonstration of the Corps’ commitment to inclusive service delivery and to safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians, most especially the hearing impaired persons and Persons with Disabilities at large.”

Chief Gufwan urged the NSCDC to mainstream sign language training across all its formations and commands, expressing hope that other security agencies would follow suit.

He also called upon the NSCDC to comply with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the Public Service Rules (Revised 2021) by employing trained deaf individuals within the corps, aiming to fulfill the 5% employment quota for Persons with Disabilities.

“The Commission stands ready to support the NSCDC and all other security agencies with technical assistance, capacity building, and strategic partnerships to strengthen inclusion agenda,” he assured.

Founder of Deaf-in-Tetch, Arowolo Ayoola, described the event as a milestone representing a commitment to justice for persons with disabilities.

The NSCDC’s proactive approach to inclusivity is expected to significantly improve security services and foster a greater sense of belonging within the diverse communities of the FCT.