By Daud Olatunji

ABEOKUTA—Following the incessant invasion by some people believed to be militants at the creeks in Ogun State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has organised training in arms handling and swimming tactics for a special squad.

This is to combat the militants who operate in creeks and are usually well-armed.

The head of training, Ogun state NSCDC and Officer in charge of the training, Assistant Commandant Oladele Odunnuga disclosed this in Abeokuta during the passing out parade of the 77 officers at the command’s annex, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

Odunnuga said the training which focused on weapon handling and swimming tactics took them seven weeks, adding that the officers were properly trained to tackle crimes on land and riverine terrains.

He said: ”The officers have been taken through serious arms training and weapon handling where they were exposed to the handling of the AK series and German G3. We equally took them through swimming techniques”.

Odunnuga said the training will help the command in tackling challenges confronting it in the discharge of its duties.

“The challenges facing the command at the riverine areas are overwhelming. We believe this training will help us to overcome those challenges,” he said.

Men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and their sniffer dogs

The state commandant, Aboluwaye Akinwande while addressing the officers at the parade, advised them to put the knowledge gathered during the course to good use.

“84 officers started this course but these 77 finished well. You must not fail in the process of putting all that you have learnt to good use. Now, you should be able to chase criminals even when they jump into water,” the commandant advised.

The Comptroller-General, Abdullahi Muhammadu, who was represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Waheed Popoola also charged the officers to adhere to advice from representatives of security agencies who spoke separately at the parade.

He said, “I urge you to follow the rules of engagement to the letter. You should also heed the advice by various security agencies present at this parade”.

Meanwhile, the graduating officers displayed some of the skills which included unarmed combat and skill at arms use gathered at the course to the satisfaction of security agencies and other guests invited to grace the occasion.

Representatives of the Ogun state Police command, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Prisons Service, Nigerian Navy and Department of State Security Service formed part of the guests that witnessed the passing out parade.

The command also rewarded some of the officers for their dedication and outstanding performance during the training.