Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Security as NSCDC Begins Five-Day Capacity Building on AI, Drones, Intelligence in Abia

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a five-day strategic capacity-building workshop for officers of its Abia State Command, with a renewed push to deploy technology, intelligence and innovation in combating crime and improving public safety.

The training, which began on Monday in Umuahia, focuses on intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, prosecution, threat assessment, drone operations, wireless communication and other technology-driven security strategies aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Corps.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Abia State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Chukwuemeka Odimba, said the increasing sophistication of criminal activities demands that security personnel stay ahead through continuous training and technological advancement.

He said criminals now exploit digital platforms and emerging technologies to perpetrate crimes, making it imperative for security agencies to embrace intelligence-led policing and modern operational tools.

According to him, the workshop will equip officers with practical skills in surveillance, intelligence analysis, criminal investigation, effective prosecution, drone technology and modern communication systems to enhance service delivery.

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“These competencies are no longer optional. They are essential requirements for every modern security organisation committed to protecting lives, property and critical national assets,” Odimba said.

Representing Governor Alex Otti at the event, the Senior Special Assistant on Security, retired Commander Macdonald Uba, commended the NSCDC for effectively responding to evolving security challenges despite operational constraints.

Uba said the collaboration among security agencies under the Otti administration had contributed significantly to making Abia one of Nigeria’s safest states, adding that the governor had remained resolute in ensuring that no part of the state is left in the hands of criminals.

He stressed that security remains a major priority of the administration because it creates the enabling environment for development and economic growth.

The governor’s aide urged participants to take the workshop seriously, describing it as a “train-the-trainer” programme. He charged officers attending in representative capacities to transfer the knowledge gained to personnel in their area and divisional commands.

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Uba also expressed optimism that the Abia State Homeland Security outfit would participate in similar capacity-building programmes to further strengthen collaboration among security agencies in the state.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi by his representative, the Commandant Zone 5 covering Imo and Abia States, Dr Ahmed Gandi, the NSCDC boss described continuous learning as indispensable in addressing the growing complexity of security challenges.

He said modern security management now relies heavily on artificial intelligence, integrated surveillance systems, digital evidence management, drone technology and secure wireless communication to improve intelligence gathering, investigations and emergency response.

Audi noted that digital tools have significantly enhanced criminal investigations by enabling investigators to analyse data, link suspects and process evidence more efficiently, while AI-assisted systems now support threat assessment and incident management.

He stressed that effective security operations depend not only on the use of force but also on intelligence, professionalism, discipline, teamwork and respect for the rule of law.

The NSCDC boss advocated stronger integration among security agencies through unified command-and-control systems, digital incident reporting, evidence management platforms and secure communication networks to improve coordination and reduce operational gaps.

He also applauded Governor Otti for his unwavering support for security agencies in Abia State, noting that the administration’s collaboration with security institutions has contributed to the improvement of the state’s security architecture.

Audi further commended the Abia State Command under Odimba for prioritising the continuous training and retraining of personnel, describing capacity building as a critical investment in institutional efficiency, public safety and national security.

Dailytrailnews.com reports that the workshop, which runs until Friday, is expected to sharpen the skills of participating officers and enhance the Corps’ readiness to tackle emerging security threats through intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations.

The Commander National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA CN LEONARD CHINAGOROM, the Commissioner for Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abia State, Uzor Nwachukeu, amongst other dignitaries were present at the event.

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