The newly deployed Kwara State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga, has assured residents of strengthened security across the state, declaring that the Command is now on round-the-clock surveillance to protect lives, property and critical national assets.
Speaking with journalists at the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin, Bodinga said his posting to Kwara followed directives from the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to reposition the state command for improved service delivery.
According to him, while certain operational strategies cannot be made public for security reasons, measures have already been activated to tighten safety across the state.
“Not all security tactics, measures and plans are expected to be spelt out. But I am here, and by the grace of God, all the necessary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure in Kwara State, as well as the lives and property of our people,” he said.
The Commandant disclosed that since assuming office, he has directed continuous patrols and surveillance operations, especially within Ilorin metropolis.
“You can go around at night within Ilorin capital city and you will find that our operatives maintain 24-hour surveillance. There has never been a night without deployment,” he stated.
In response to recent security concerns in parts of the state, Bodinga confirmed that additional personnel have been deployed to Kiyama to reinforce security following reported incidents in the area.
“Our operatives have been deployed to Kiyama and other locations of concern. The security of those areas has been reinforced and is being closely monitored,” he said.
On the protection of places of worship, the NSCDC boss announced enhanced security arrangements for both Muslim and Christian faithful across the state.
“I have directed that all Jumu’ah mosques on Fridays be provided with adequate security. Similarly, churches on Sundays will receive the same level of protection. Aside from Sundays, any church holding major congregational services will also be covered,” he added.
Bodinga also emphasized synergy with other security agencies, describing collaboration as key to effective security management.
“I am already in contact with all the service heads in the state. The synergy is active and will be strengthened. We share ideas both overtly and covertly to enhance proactive intelligence and ensure adequate security for the state,” he said.
Responding to questions on training and modern security initiatives, the Commandant, who described himself as an intelligence officer and instructor, assured that officers and men under his leadership would undergo continuous training and retraining.
“For effective service delivery, training is continuous. There are aspects we cannot announce publicly, but our operatives will be well trained technically and otherwise. When you guide and correct mistakes, you are already training,” he noted.
He further revealed that modalities have been put in place to improve VIP protection in the state, in line with recent directives from the NSCDC leadership.
“All modalities for VIP protection have been set. We recently underwent training at the national level, including heads of operations and state commandants. We will attend promptly to all legitimate requests for VIP protection,” Bodinga assured.
The Commandant, who has previously served in various operational and command capacities across the country, pledged to consolidate on existing structures and deliver improved security outcomes for Kwara residents.
He commended members of the media for their role in national security, stressing that effective information management and public enlightenment remain critical to sustaining peace and order in the state.
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