Inclusive Security Architecture:: NSCDC Trains 50 Personnel In Sign Language Proficiency

To bridge the gap between the Corps and the deaf communitiy for enhanced intelligence gathering, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the FCT has trained fifty personnel in sign language proficiency.

The five day training for the first batch of officers and men was organised in partnership with the Deaf-in-Tech in Abuja.

At the closing ceremony, the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said the training was designed to build their capacity in the effective use of sign language as a tool for greater community service.

“This initiative is not merely a training exercise, it is a strategic investment in the future of intelligence gathering, criminal investigation, and delivering on the NSCDC core mandate.”

Odumosu also explained that the training is a citizens-centred approach to law enforcement, building trust, improving access to justice, and ensuring no voice goes unheard, whether spoken or in sign form.

“By equipping our personnel with sign language proficiency, we are tearing down a long-standing barrier between law enforcement agencies and members of the deaf community, It will also help personnel to communicate within themselves with sign language which will foster seamless and discreet security activities.”

“We have had cases being reported to us by the deaf community and suspects being brought to us, and both the complainant and suspect were deaf so we had to get interpreters,” he said.

He commended the commitment and courage of the participants to learn, adapt and embrace the new skill that will forever enrich their professional conduct and personal life.

“We will leverage on this skill to entertain complaints, carry out interrogations, and gather intelligence without relying on interpreters,” Odumosu said.

The FCT Commandant maintained that the Corps was committed to harnessing the potential of sign language to enhance the mandate and make meaningful impact on the FCT.

“This training is for better service delivery to every citizen without leaving anyone out, if you can communicate freely with signs, the deaf community will find it easy to come to you with credible intelligence, knowing that they will be able to communicate freely with you and you will give them the needed attention and assistance”.

Deaf-in-Tech Founder, Mr Ayoola Arowolo, appreciated the FCT command for pioneering the movement of an inclusive security architecture.

Arowolo, who is also one of the facilitators of the training, said that the training will not only ensure the protection of persons with disabilities but will ensure the security of every Nigerian.

“This is the first for this country as no security operative has included the disability cluster in how to provide security in our country, we hope this training ignites other security apparatus in the country to enrol their operatives in sign language”.

Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of an Award of Inclusive Protection Advocate Leadership to the FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, by the Deaf-In-Tech and presentation of certificates to participants.

Nkiru Njemanze, Edited By Grace Namiji