President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi as Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for a fresh five-year term, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security institutions.
The renewal, effective from Friday, February 27, follows the expiration of Dr Audi’s initial tenure. He is expected to formally resume duties on Monday with a renewed mandate to reposition the Corps in line with evolving security challenges, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Dr Audi was first appointed Commandant-General in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His first term concluded as he participated in activities marking the 2026 World Civil Defence Day at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
President Tinubu tasked Dr Audi with repositioning the Corps to play a more strategic role in internal security, emphasizing synergy among security agencies and intensified focus on critical national asset protection, intelligence gathering, and community-based security interventions. The directive aligns with efforts to allow the police to concentrate on core duties, including combating banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Born on September 30, 1967, in Laminga Town, Nasarawa State, Dr Audi brings nearly three decades of NSCDC experience. His educational background includes a Teachers’ Grade II Certificate from Teachers’ College, Jengre, an NCE from the College of Education, Akwanga, a bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education from Ahmadu Bello University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Calabar, a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, and a Master’s in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University.
Dr Audi joined the NSCDC in November 1996 as a volunteer, rising through the ranks from Divisional Officer to Commandant in 2007, before his deployment to the National Headquarters. His renewed tenure is expected to strengthen the Corps’ role in Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
