Civil Guard Command of Melilla

The Civil Guard Command of Melilla (Comandancia de la Guardia Civil de Melilla) is the territorial unit of the Spanish Guardia Civil responsible for guaranteeing citizen security, border control, public order and cooperation with other security forces in the autonomous city of Melilla, Spain. The Guardia Civil has provided uninterrupted service in Melilla since 1893, making it one of the security institutions with the deepest roots in local and national history. The Command is part of the Guardia Civil's operational structure and carries out its duties in a strategically sensitive area on the North African coast, with a land border with Morocco. The Command's history dates back to 1893, when the Guardia Civil established its presence in Melilla to maintain order in a sovereign plaza with complex land borders and challenges arising from its proximity to North Africa. The first Guardia Civil barracks-house (Casa-Cuartel) in Melilla was inaugurated on 13 August 1896, the first of its kind on the African continent, and it housed various units over the years. On 20 January 1915, the Melilla Guardia Civil Company was reorganised to adapt its organic deployment, with a staff of infantry and cavalry officers and guards distributed in detachments, then dependent on the 7th Command of Málaga. The structure evolved until it became the current Command. In the mid-20th century, the Guardia Civil in Melilla consolidated its role as a strategic security unit, expanding its competences with new units and detachments. Its presence was continuously recognised by local and national authorities throughout the 20th century. On 20 April 1977, the Command received the Gold Medal of the Melilla City Council for its capacity, discipline and selfless work in fulfilling its duty in service of the country. That recognition was renewed in 2004 by the Autonomous City of Melilla. The Command depends on the Guardia Civil's Operations Command and is composed of various specialised units: the Melilla Company, a territorial unit responsible for citizen security; the Fiscal and Borders Company of Melilla, specialised in border control, fiscal matters and combating border-related offences and smuggling; and support and specialist units, including investigators of the Organic Judicial Police Unit (UOPJ), nature protection groups (SEPRONA), experts in maritime and underwater activities, canine units and others. The institution carries out tasks of guaranteeing citizen security, controlling the land border with Morocco, protecting critical infrastructure, preventing crime, assisting in emergencies and collaborating with other forces such as the National Police and Local Police. These functions have been formally highlighted by authorities, pointing to the response to challenges such as migratory pressure and border security in Melilla. During 2025, the Command reinforced its staff with the incorporation of new civil guards. On 17 October 2025, the Government Delegate in Melilla welcomed thirteen new officers assigned to various operational units, highlighting coordination between the Guardia Civil, National Police and Local Police to guarantee the security and well-being of citizens. Previously, in May 2025, eleven civil guards (three officers and eight agents) also joined to reinforce the staff, underlining the importance of reinforcing personnel given the region's specific security challenges. The work of the Guardia Civil in Melilla has been repeatedly underlined by institutional authorities. At official events, its historical trajectory and commitment to security, coexistence and citizens' rights since 1893 have been emphasised, highlighting the values of service vocation, sacrifice and professionalism of the Corps.

The presence of the Guardia Civil in Melilla dates back to 1893, in the context of the need to guarantee order in a sovereign plaza with complicated land borders and challenges arising from its proximity to North Africa. The first Guardia Civil barracks-house (Casa-Cuartel) in Melilla was inaugurated on 13 August 1896, the first of the Corps on the African continent, and it housed various units over the years. On 20 January 1915, the Melilla Guardia Civil Company was reorganised to adapt its organic deployment, with a staff of infantry and cavalry officers and guards distributed in detachments, and it then depended on the 7th Command of Málaga. The structure evolved until it gave rise to the current Command. In the mid-20th century, the Guardia Civil in Melilla consolidated its role as a strategic security unit, expanding its competences with new units and detachments. Its presence was continuously recognised by local and national authorities throughout the 20th century. On 20 April 1977, the Command received the Gold Medal of the Melilla City Council for its capacity, discipline and selfless work in fulfilling its duty in service of the country. That recognition was renewed in 2004 by the Autonomous City of Melilla. During 2025, the Command reinforced its staff with the incorporation of new civil guards. On 17 October 2025, the Government Delegate in Melilla welcomed thirteen new officers assigned to various operational units, highlighting coordination between the Guardia Civil, National Police and Local Police to guarantee the security and well-being of citizens. Previously, in May 2025, eleven civil guards (three officers and eight agents) also joined to reinforce the staff, underlining the importance of reinforcing personnel given the region's specific security challenges.

• The Guardia Civil begins uninterrupted service in Melilla.

• The first Guardia Civil barracks-house (Casa-Cuartel) in Melilla is inaugurated, the first of the Corps on the African continent.

• The Melilla Guardia Civil Company is reorganised, with a staff of infantry and cavalry officers and guards distributed in detachments, dependent on the 7th Command of Málaga.

• The Command receives the Gold Medal of the Melilla City Council for its capacity, discipline and selfless work in fulfilling its duty.

• The Autonomous City of Melilla renews the recognition of the Command.

• Eleven civil guards (three officers and eight agents) join to reinforce the staff.

• Thirteen new officers are welcomed by the Government Delegate in Melilla, assigned to various operational units.

Territorial security unit of the Spanish Guardia Civil in Melilla, focused on citizen security, border control and public order.

1. 1CMDA. MELILLAweb.guardiacivil.es
2. 2Quejas sobre accesibilidadweb.guardiacivil.es
3. 3Reclamaciones sobre accesibilidadweb.guardiacivil.es
4. 4Civil Guard Command of Melillawikidata.org
5. 5Comandancia de la Guardia Civil de Melillaes.wikipedia.org