Audi Abubakar’s Proactive Nature 

Professor Audi Abubakar is one public servant whose quiet mien belies the depth of his commitment to Nigeria. A patriot to the core, his passion for the country is unmistakable whenever he speaks about national security and the protection of the nation’s interests.

Since assuming the position of Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar has brought a distinctly proactive approach to the job. Rather than lead from behind a desk, he has consistently taken his responsibilities to the field, strengthening the Corps’ capacity to protect critical national assets and confront those determined to exploit the country for personal gain.

His leadership has also been characterised by technology, intelligence, data-driven planning and collaboration with sister security agencies. More remarkable is his effort to give the NSCDC a human face. He has consistently reminded officers that their ultimate responsibility is to the people, urging them to treat members of the public with dignity, respect and genuine concern.

Discipline, too, remains central to his leadership philosophy. Abubakar has made it clear that officers who breach the rules or engage in activities capable of tarnishing the image of the Corps will face the consequences. This has helped reinforce professionalism and strengthen internal coordination.

His hands-on leadership was particularly evident during the recent electoral assignments in Ekiti and Osun states. For the Osun governorship election, the Corps deployed more than 10,000 personnel to support a peaceful process. Abubakar himself was on the ground, engaging political and traditional leaders, assessing developments and urging officers to exercise restraint.

His firm warning against being trigger-happy, except where the use of force became unavoidable, underscored his belief that security is as much about protecting lives as it is about maintaining order.

For a man who rarely courts the limelight, Abubakar’s footprints are increasingly visible. Quietly, deliberately and proactively, he appears to be reshaping the NSCDC into a more disciplined, technologically driven and people-oriented institution.