Williams Akpan, Calabar
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned its personnel in Cross River State against violating citizens’ fundamental rights, stressing that unlawful arrests, improper interrogations and illegal detention could jeopardise prosecutions and expose the Corps to litigation.
The warning was issued on Friday during a two-day training on criminal justice administration and human rights compliance organised for officers of the state command at its headquarters in Calabar.
The training was facilitated by the Corps’ Director of Legal Services, Aminu Kayode Alilu, who urged personnel to conduct security operations in accordance with established laws and procedures.
“Effective security operations must be conducted within the confines of the law,” he said.
Alilu also emphasised the importance of accountability and professionalism, maintaining that “respect for human dignity” was a fundamental requirement for officers carrying out law enforcement duties.
The workshop brought together Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, intelligence and investigation operatives, legal officers, station officers, cell guards, Anti-Corruption personnel, Critical National Asset and Infrastructure operatives and tactical commanders.
Participants were trained on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and other legal provisions governing investigations, arrests, suspect management and prosecution.
The sessions were intended to strengthen officers’ understanding of the legal requirements guiding their daily operations.
The legal services director warned that violations of due process during arrest, interrogation and detention could weaken cases against suspects.
He said such practices could also result in legal proceedings against the Corps and undermine public confidence in law enforcement.
The Cross River State Commandant, Okarazu Chima, commended the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for supporting the training and prioritising legal capacity development within the organisation.
Chima described the exercise as necessary for improving operational performance and directed officers to apply the lessons learned.
He warned that the command would no longer tolerate avoidable legal errors capable of causing litigation or infringing on citizens’ rights.
“The command will no longer tolerate avoidable legal errors capable of causing litigation or infringing on citizens’ rights,” Chima said.
The command said the programme had reinforced the need for lawful enforcement, accountability and respect for human rights.
According to the Command, “The training is necessary for improving operational performance, and officers must apply the lessons learned in the discharge of their duties.”
The training ended with interactive sessions, practical case studies and question-and-answer discussions on operational challenges.
