Security Agencies and Internal Security Administration: Evaluation of Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Anambra State (2011-2018)

Abstract

This paper is an examination and evaluation of the operation of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study covers a period of seven years, 2011 to 2018. The methodology guiding the paper is survey design as the study relied on both primary and secondary sources for data generation. However, the results of the study indicated that: the establishment of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps has significantly helped in the amelioration of pipeline vandalization in Nigeria. It has indeed reduced pipeline vandalism and they have a number of cases of their successful operation against such vandals. This area and their surveillance roles in different segments of civil society constitute some of the praise-worthy roles of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps. This study indicates that the creation of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps has significantly helped in crime reduction and in stabilizing the social order in Anambra State and some other states of Nigeria. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the NSCDC should, when needful, undertake joint security exercises or programmes with some stake-holders in the various communities. Such cooperative effort would enable the NSCDC to reach out to the people in need of help. Another recommendation stresses the need to enact a vagrancy law which would serve as the legal instrument upon which the NSCDC can take preventive action against vagrants who may be potential sources of criminality.