The Acting Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Hilary Kelechi Madu, has directed all Zonal commanders and State Commandants to ensure optimal enforcement and general compliance of Covid-19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in their various commands.
The acting CG has, therefore directed the composition of a five-man monitoring and enforcement team comprising of some carefully selected officers and men to identify key areas such as markets, schools, motor-parks, churches, mosques, recreation centers and others for total compliance.
In a statement signed Friday in Abuja by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, DCC Sola Odumosu, Madu said strict adherence to the executive order by the Corps is predicated on the need to preserve the sanctity of life of Nigerians in different parts of the country.
“Noting that as a major stakeholder in the provision of security and safety, as well as the preservation of health and wellbeing of Nigerians, all hand must be on deck to support the good intention of government in the face of the widespread and rising numbers of Covid19 cases in Nigeria.
“The NSCDC boss charged each state command to internalize the directive by ensuring absolute compliance of all personnel to the covid-19 protocols in their respective states and zones to keep safe at the frontline while enforcing the guidelines for preventing the spread and containment of the Covid19 virus.
“The acting CG further directed the stepping up of sensitization and citizen’s enlightenment campaign to encourage non-adherents to the covid19 guidelines to take responsibility in ensuring that they stay safe with their loved ones.
“He therefore directed the composition of a five-man monitoring and enforcement team comprising of some carefully selected officers and men to identify key focal areas such as markets, schools, motor parks, churches and mosques, recreation centers and so on.”
Madu said the Corps must join forces with the federal government to mitigate and control the covid-19 pandemic, warning that “any officer caught extorting money from the public will face summary dismissal as this assignment is not a means to line their pockets with proceed of corrupt practices.
“The enforcement teams are to ensure that no person shall be allowed within the premises of all identified focal areas except such person complies with all laid down protocols such as wearing of face covering that covers the nose and mouth, washing of hand using running water or hand sanitizer and temperature check not above 38 degrees Celsius.”
While encouraging the personnel to go about this assignment with new zeal and absolute sense of patriotism, he also warned them against unnecessary harassment of citizens.
“I enjoined all personnel to put on the toga of civility which the corps is noted for, whilst our watchword “humility and integrity in service delivery” should guide you never to go out of order, rather, be disciplined and professional in your approach, do not molest anyone while discharging your duty and respect their fundamental human rights,” Madu said.
