The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched a 24-hour security monitoring operation throughout Kwara State, with a particular emphasis on the protection of vital national assets and the city of Ilorin.
It reports that Bala Bawa Bodinga, the corps’ Kwara State Commandant, made the announcement in Ilorin on Thursday, shortly after taking over as command leadership.
According to him, the goal of the new approach was to bolster public safety and rebuild trust in the state’s security architecture.
Bodinga clarified that his deployment to Kwara was in accordance with orders from Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant-General, to strengthen operational efficacy and provide more stringent security of public areas and infrastructure.
“I was directed by the Commandant-General to take charge of operations here and ensure that critical national assets and infrastructure are adequately protected,” he said.
He declared that the security blueprint under his watch would be intelligence-driven, combining visible patrols with discreet operational measures.
“Not all security tactics, measures and plans are meant to be disclosed. But by the grace of God, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to protect critical national assets and infrastructure in Kwara State, as well as lives and property,” he said.
The commandant revealed that Ilorin was now constantly under surveillance, particularly at night.
“We have commenced 24-hour surveillance within Ilorin metropolis. You can move around Ilorin at night and you will find our officers maintaining constant surveillance.
“There has not been a single night without patrol since I assumed duty,” Bodinga stressed.
The head of the NSCDC addressed recent security concerns in Kaiama and other regions of the state, confirming that more staff had been sent in to support stability.
“We have sent more men to Kaiama and the situation there is under control,” he said.
He also declared enhanced security measures for religious gatherings across the state.
“All Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays must have adequate security coverage. The same arrangement applies to churches during Sunday services and other major gatherings. Worship centres must be safe for our people,” he declared.
Regarding inter-agency collaboration, Bodinga emphasised that synergy with sister security outfits would be a cornerstone of his administration.
“I am already in contact with heads of other security agencies in the state to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations,” he said.
The commandant emphasized the significance of manpower development and the necessity of ongoing professional training.
“As someone trained in intelligence and operations, I understand the importance of continuous training,” he noted.
“Some of these trainings cannot be announced publicly, but our officers will be well trained technically and professionally for effective service delivery,” he added.
Bodinga also revealed that the command had activated modalities for VIP protection in the state.
“All modalities for VIP protection have been activated. We are ready to respond to requests, but we ask for time to fully deploy our resources,” he stated.
The commandant urged citizens to provide reliable information to security services, reaffirming his dedication to service.
“With the support of other security agencies and the people of Kwara State, we will deliver improved security. Give us a little time, and you will see a new face of security in this state,” he assured.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, Bala Bodinga was formally appointed as the new NSCDC Commandant of Kwara State.
Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant-General of the Corps, authorized his deployment as part of a strategic reshuffle to improve security operations around the country.
He succeeds Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, who served in the role for around two years.
