The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has concluded training for 50 personnel of the Command in sign language proficiency.
The initiative, according to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Monica Ojobi, aims to bridge the communication gap between the Corps and the deaf community for enhanced intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, and improved dispensation of justice.
The five-day intensive training for the first batch of officers and personnel—drawn from various departments and units such as Intelligence and Investigations, Counter-Terrorism (CTU), Training, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Gender, Operations, Disaster Management, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) units—was organized in partnership with Deaf-in-Tech in Abuja.
While declaring the training closed, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, stated that the program was designed to build the capacity of his personnel in the effective use of sign language as a tool for enhanced community service.
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“This initiative is not merely a training exercise; it is a strategic investment in the future of intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, and the delivery of NSCDC’s core mandates,” he said.
Odumosu explained that the training reflects a citizen-centered approach to law enforcement—building trust, improving access to justice, and ensuring that no voice goes unheard, whether spoken or signed.
“This is the first of its kind for the NSCDC. It is designed to build the capacity of our personnel in the effective use of sign language as a tool of communication.
“By equipping our personnel with sign language proficiency, we are breaking down a long-standing barrier between law enforcement agencies and members of the deaf community.
“This is a citizen-centered approach to law enforcement in its truest sense—building trust, improving access to justice, and ensuring no voice goes unheard, whether spoken or signed.
“It will also enable personnel to communicate among themselves using sign language, which will foster seamless and discreet security operations.
“We have had cases reported to us by members of the deaf community, involving both complainants and suspects who were deaf. In such cases, we had to rely on interpreters,” he added.
He commended the participants for their commitment and courage to learn, adapt, and embrace new skills that will forever enrich their professional conduct and personal lives.
“You are now ambassadors of inclusivity and agents of a more compassionate, more responsive NSCDC Command,” he said.
“We will leverage this skill to entertain complaints, conduct interrogations, and gather intelligence without depending on interpreters.”
Odumosu emphasized the Corps’ commitment to harnessing the potential of sign language to enhance its mandate and make a meaningful impact in the FCT.
“This training ensures better service delivery to all citizens without leaving anyone behind. If you can communicate fluently in sign language, the deaf community will feel encouraged to bring credible intelligence to you, knowing they will be understood and given the necessary attention and assistance.”
Deaf-in-Tech Founder, Mr. Ayoola Arowolo, appreciated the FCT Command for pioneering the movement toward an inclusive security architecture.
Arowolo, who was also one of the facilitators, stated that the training would not only ensure the protection of persons with disabilities but also enhance the security of all Nigerians.
“This is a first in the country, as no security agency has previously included the disability cluster in their approach to national security.
“We hope this training will inspire other security outfits in Nigeria to enroll their personnel in sign language programs.
“Thank you for pioneering this initiative. We believe it will spread to other personnel, agencies, and states across the country,” he said.
According to him, there have been incidents involving deaf and mute individuals getting into trouble with security operatives due to the communication gap between both parties.
Highlights of the closing ceremony included the presentation of an Award of Inclusive Protection Advocate Leadership to FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu by the facilitators from Deaf-in-Tech, as well as the presentation of certificates to participants.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE