As part of efforts to curtail the security challenges threatening the corporate existence of the country, the Nigerian Army has commenced training of members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the areas of basic counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency.

The first batch of 100 men of the Kwara state command of NSCDC who had undergone the training at the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin passed out penultimate Friday.

The colourful passing out parade organised for the trainees was witnessed by the governor of Kwara state, Alh. AbdulFatah Ahmed who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Alh. Isiaka Gold and all the heads of security agencies operating in the state, to underscore its importance.

Speaking at the passing out parade, the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Saidu Bello disclosed that the leadership of the NSCDC had requested for the training in view of the growing sophistication of criminals in the country as well as the security challenges facing the nation.

He said the five-week training was a way of showing the commitment of the present leadership of the military to the training of personnel from other security agencies in order to make them positive contributors in the efforts at tackling diverse issues of security the nation might witness.

The commander explained that, "the present security challenges in the country and the recent sophistication with which criminals and terrorists carry out attacks on innocent citizens, informed the decision of the NSCDC high command to seek for the Nigerian Army training assistance in the areas of weapon handling, physical training and basic counter-terrorism/counter insurgency training of its personnel.

"The five-week training given to participants has refreshed and polished their skills in weapon handling, and also increased their knowledge and expertise in many areas of their profession. The tactics and techniques imparted in them will go a long way in assisting them to defend themselves and also enable them protect government property when the need arises."

In his remarks, the Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Ahmed explained that the training of personnel of the NSCDC in weapon handling was within the scope of the appropriate laws establishing the agency.

He said that the first batch of trainees was suitable for the course which included strength and endurance while in hostile circumstances.

Ahmed who commended the trainees for being disciplined and dutiful throughout the period of their training urged them to keep faith with the lessons learnt during the training.

The governor of Kwara state, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold charged the beneficiaries on the need to ensure proper use of their weapons and to avoid overheating the polity in the course of their duty.

He noted that notwithstanding the peace being experienced in the state, his administration is not taking things for granted and pointed at the commitment of the state to the training of various security personnel as evidence of its strategic involvement in enhancing the security situation of the state.

Ahmed commended the evolving synergy among the various security agencies in the state and promised to ensure that government takes care of whatever could stand to hinder the effective discharge of their responsibilities within the limits of available resources.