•Report by Halimah Olamide
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, said it recovered over N80 million fraudulently obtained from unsuspecting members of the public between January and November.
The NSCDC Commandant, Michael Adaralewa, disclosed this during the end-of-the-year get-together in Ibadan, said that the command also resolved 800 disputes during the period under review.
Adaralewa, represented by the Deputy Commandant, Femi Ete, said that the money was recovered by the corps’ Anti-Fraud Unit, while the cases were resolved by Peace and Conflict Management Unit, through Alternative Dispute Resolution.
He said that the command, among other things, mediated in disputes between farmers and herders within the period under review, which could have resulted in loss of lives and property.
Adaralewa said that he was impressed with the level of achievements recorded by various departments, units, sections, area commands and divisions of the command within the period.
He appreciated the commitment and cooperation of the officers and men of the command, saying that no one could have single-handedly achieved such a feat without working in synergy with others.
The commandant said that the command was able to deliver on its mandate and achieve success within the year under review as a result of the unity, professionalism and humanity exhibited by the personnel.
“The task of securing lives and property of a nation is too enormous to be left in the hands of one institution or organisation.
“It is in view of this that I want to appreciate the partnership and collaboration of sister security agencies and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation,” Adaralewa said.
He called on the corps’ personnel to demonstrate high level of dignity, integrity and non-partisanship in their dealing during the 2023 general elections.
Adaralewa assured of adequate protection of offices of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other infrastructure across the state.
He said that the command had deployed no fewer than 2,000 personnel to protect lives and property and ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations.