Benin, March 2, 2026 (NAN) The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has appealed to the state government to provide an ambulance to strengthen its emergency response capacity.
The State Commandant, Mr Saidi Akintayo, made the request on Monday in Benin during the grand finale of the 2026 International Civil Defense Organisation (ICDO) Day, themed “Managing Environmental Risk for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”
Akintayo said the corps’ expanding responsibilities in disaster management and protection of critical national assets required improved logistics.
“Let me use this opportunity to request for an ambulance from His Excellency to boost our emergency response,” he said.
He described the celebration as historic, noting it was the first time ICDO Day was marked in such an elaborate manner by the Edo Command.
Tracing the evolution of civil defense in Nigeria from its roots during the civil war, Akintayo said the corps had grown into a full-fledged security agency with broader statutory mandates.
“These mandates include safeguarding critical infrastructure, regulating private guard companies, protecting mining sites, and combating vandalism.”
He warned that environmental threats such as flooding, erosion, illegal mining and pipeline vandalism posed serious risks to livelihoods and national stability.
“Security is not limited to armed threats. Environmental degradation can be as disruptive as any conventional crisis,” he said.
He added that improved emergency tools such as an ambulance would enhance the command’s capacity to protect lives and property.
Akintayo also commended the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, for repositioning the corps for greater efficiency.
In his remarks, Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Mr Dennis Idahosa, described the 2026 theme as timely, reflecting global concerns over climate change and urban vulnerabilities.
“Managing these risks effectively is essential to securing a safe, stable and prosperous future,” the deputy governor said.
He lauded the NSCDC for its role in emergency response, disaster management and protection of critical infrastructure, while other security chiefs at the event commended the corps for strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured a march past and tug of war competition, with the Nigerian Immigration Service emerging overall winner.(NAN)
