Tunji-Ojo’s wife hails NSCDC boss on gender inclusion, celebrate Special Female Squad on 4th anniversary

The wife of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Mrs. Abimbola Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has applauded the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) under Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for fostering gender inclusion and strategically empowering women in the security sector.

Speaking during a ceremony to mark the 4th Anniversary of the NSCDC’s Special Female Squad (SFS), Mrs. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the vital role women play in nation-building, particularly in shaping responsible citizens and ensuring community safety.

“Women play a spectacular role in nurturing the society and shaping future leaders from childhood. They are peace builders, policy influencers, and vital contributors to our national security,” she said.

She particularly lauded Dr. Audi for his gender-sensitive leadership, which has seen more women appointed to key positions within the Corps. “The Audi-led administration has shown unwavering commitment to gender inclusion, giving the female gender the confidence to operate alongside their male counterparts without fear or intimidation,” she stated.

Congratulating the SFS on their fourth anniversary, Mrs. Tunji-Ojo noted that the unit’s impressive performance is a reflection of the Commandant General’s “exceptional leadership” which has “visibly repositioned and reinvigorated the Corps.”

She charged the squad to remain diligent and dedicated in their duties, urging senior female officers to mentor their junior colleagues. “Beyond the uniforms and boots, you are builders, peacemakers, and future leaders,” she emphasized.

In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Audi highlighted the rationale behind establishing the Special Female Squad, citing the alarming vulnerability of schools to criminal attacks in recent years.

“The Female Strike Force was commissioned in response to the increasing attacks on schools and the kidnapping of students and teachers,” he revealed. “Notably, over 48 kidnap attempts have been foiled by the Female Squad across the federation.”

Dr. Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting educational institutions, noting that the NSCDC would continue to leverage prompt and credible intelligence to prevent criminal attacks. “We are committed to securing our schools and will not relent in deploying every resource at our disposal,” he added.

Also speaking, the National Commander of the Female Squad, Assistant Commandant Imonike Oluwakemi, expressed gratitude to the Corps’ leadership for the training and logistics support that has enhanced the unit’s operational success.

“We thank the CG for his unwavering support. I urge all Female Squad commanders across the states to continue upholding professionalism in the discharge of their duties,” she said.

The event also featured goodwill messages and award presentations from key stakeholders, including the President of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Dr. Chris Adigun, and the CEO of School Hunters and UN Consultant, Dr. Olusola Okpodu.

The celebration not only recognized the achievements of the Special Female Squad but also underscored the growing recognition of women as critical players in national security and policy-making.