The Corps is tasked with protecting lives and properties in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, as well as safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

It is also involved in intelligence gathering, combating vandalism, illegal bunkering, pipeline protection, and ensuring the safety of citizens.

The NSCDC conducts operations across the country and works closely with other law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order.

[citation needed] The Corps is empowered to institute legal proceedings of the Attorney General in accordance with the provisions of the constitution against any person or persons suspected to have committed an offence, maintain an armed squad in order to bear fire arms among others to strengthen the corps in the discharge of its statutory duties.

On 28 June 2003, an act to give statutory backing to the NSCDC passed by the National Assembly was signed into law by President Olusegun Obasanjo.