The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, has denied allegations that its State Commandant, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe, shields officers accused of misconduct and maintains a poor working relationship with other security agencies in the state.
The command also dismissed claims that it has failed to distribute newly acquired security equipment, including drones and technology operational system packs, describing the allegations as false and aimed at damaging its reputation.
The response followed a report by an online media platform which accused the command of shielding erring officers, refusing to deploy security equipment, victimising personnel and neglecting the welfare of its staff.
The report also alleged that the command had a strained relationship with other security agencies operating in Akwa Ibom State.
However, reacting in a statement issued in Uyo on Tuesday, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Friday Ekerete, rejected all the allegations, describing them as “malicious, misleading and lacking in factual basis.”
He said the command considered it necessary to respond publicly in order to correct what it described as misinformation and reassure the public of its commitment to professionalism.
“The attention of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, has been drawn to a publication containing several allegations against the State Commandant, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe.
“The Command finds the publication to be malicious, misleading and lacking in factual basis. In the interest of the public and for record purposes, we provide the following clarifications,” the statement said.
One of the major allegations raised in the report was that the command had refused to cooperate with investigations involving one of its officers.
Responding to the claim, Ekerete said the report contained false information about the identity of the officer it referred to.
According to him, the publication wrongly identified one “SP Mike Asibor” as the Head of the Anti-Vandal Unit of the NSCDC in Akwa Ibom.
He explained that no officer by that description serves in the state command.
“The publication’s reference to ‘SP Mike Asibor, Head of Anti-Vandal’ is false,” Ekerete said.
“We wish to state that SC Michael Asibor is not a staff of the NSCDC Akwa Ibom State Command, let alone the Head of Anti-Vandal.”
He clarified that the actual Head of the Anti-Vandal Unit at the command headquarters is SC Akan Ekanem.
Ekerete stressed that the command has always cooperated with lawful investigations and would never protect any officer found guilty of misconduct.
“The command has and will always cooperate with investigations and will never shield any of its personnel found wanting,” he added.
The command also strongly denied allegations that it has a fractured relationship with other security agencies in the state.
According to the spokesperson, the NSCDC continues to enjoy excellent cooperation with sister security organisations in Akwa Ibom in carrying out joint security operations.
“There is no iota of truth in the claim that the relationship with sister security agencies in the state is fractured,” he said.
“We wish to state unequivocally that there is a symbiotic and extremely cordial working relationship between the NSCDC and all sister security agencies in Akwa Ibom State.”
He noted that security agencies in the state regularly collaborate in intelligence gathering, crime prevention, protection of critical infrastructure and emergency response.
The command also addressed allegations that the State Commandant had deliberately refused to distribute newly acquired technology operational system packs and drones.
Ekerete described the claim as false, explaining that the equipment had not yet been deployed because officers must first receive specialised training before using the devices.
According to him, the technology was supplied by the Corps’ National Headquarters earlier this year as part of efforts to improve security operations across the country.
However, he said the equipment cannot be released until designated personnel have completed the necessary training.
“The allegation that the Command refused to distribute tech operational system packs is false and malicious,” he said.
“The Command took delivery of tech systems and drones earlier this year.
“These equipment can only be disbursed for use after resource persons from our National Headquarters have successfully trained personnel on how to operate them, especially to enhance security operations, since they are systems configured for security use.”
He added that the command is simply following established procedures laid down by the NSCDC leadership.
“Due process is being followed in line with Corps policy in this regard,” he said.
The spokesperson also rejected claims that officers in the command were being victimised or that staff welfare had been neglected.
Although he did not specifically address each allegation, he maintained that the publication was designed to create division within the Corps and damage the image of the command.
He said the command would not allow such reports to distract it from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
“The command will not be distracted by attempts to create disaffection within the Corps or among security agencies,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Commandant Abetianbe and all personnel to protecting lives, critical national assets and infrastructure across Akwa Ibom State.
The NSCDC is one of Nigeria’s key security agencies with responsibility for protecting critical national infrastructure, preventing vandalism, supporting disaster management, regulating private security companies and assisting other security agencies in maintaining law and order.
In recent years, the Corps has also expanded its role in intelligence gathering, anti-vandal operations, anti-illegal mining activities and the protection of oil and gas facilities, particularly in oil-producing states such as Akwa Ibom.
The command said maintaining strong cooperation with other security agencies remains essential in tackling crimes such as pipeline vandalism, oil theft, kidnapping and other security threats.
Ekerete therefore urged journalists and media organisations to always verify information with the command before publishing reports that could mislead the public or damage the reputation of individuals and institutions.
He said responsible journalism requires fairness, accuracy and balance, especially on issues relating to national security.
The command expressed confidence that its record of professionalism, cooperation with other agencies and commitment to public service would continue to speak for itself despite what it described as attempts to discredit its leadership.