Northern Pulse

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command, has called on residents and stakeholders to embrace proactive environmental practices to build resilient and sustainable communities.

The call was made during the commemoration of the 2026 International Civil Defence Day held in Kaduna.

The Deputy Commandant of the Corps (DCC), Kalu Ndukwe, speaking on behalf of the State Commandant, Commandant Panam Musa, said that this year’s theme, ‘Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future’, was timely and critical.

He stated that the theme underscored the urgent need to address the rising environmental challenges such as flooding, drought, desertification, erosion, land degradation, and pollution.

“The world is witnessing an unprecedented rise in environmental risks.

“These are no longer distant warnings but realities we experience daily here in Kaduna State and across Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, Kaduna State had recorded incidents of flash floods that displaced families and destroyed livelihoods, while erosion and desertification continue to threaten farmlands and communities.

The command reiterated that the NSCDC’s mandate extended beyond the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure to include active participation in disaster management, emergency response, and public safety as provided by Section 3 of the NSCDC Act.

He said the Kaduna State command had deployed its ‘Disaster Management and Emergency Response Units’ during crises and had collaborated with relevant agencies to respond to flood incidents and enforce laws against illegal mining.

“Illegal mining remains a significant cause of land degradation in our state. We will continue to work with sister agencies to ensure offenders are brought to book,” he said.

The command urged the residents to avoid dumping refuse in drainages, resist illegal sand mining along riverbanks, discourage deforestation and bush burning, and participate in environmental sanitation exercises.

He emphasised that resilience could not be built by government alone, describing it as a shared responsibility requiring the active involvement of citizens, community leaders, religious leaders, and local government authorities.

“Prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.

“We encourage stakeholders to partner with the NSCDC in identifying and reporting environmental hazards before they escalate into disasters,” he added.

The command also charged the officers and men of the corps to remain professional, disciplined, and vigilant in carrying out their duties, stressing the importance of integrity and readiness in emergency response.

He expressed appreciation to the Commandant-General of the NSCDC for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the corps nationwide, as well as to the Kaduna State Government for its continued support to the command.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the day is marked annually to recognise the role of civil defence organisations in protecting lives, property, and the environment from disasters and emergencies.