NSCDC denies shielding officers, rift with security agencies in Akwa Ibom

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom State has vehemently denied allegations that its Commandant, Geraldine Abetianbe, protects officers involved in misconduct. The command also dismissed reports of a strained relationship with other security agencies within the state. These denials come in response to an online publication that accused the commandant of shielding erring personnel, withholding operational equipment, victimizing staff, and neglecting welfare. In a statement issued Tuesday, the command's Public Relations Officer, Friday Ekerete, characterized the allegations as "malicious, misleading and lacking in factual basis." Ekerete specifically addressed the claim about the head of the Anti-Vandal Unit, stating the publication incorrectly identified the officer and that SC Michael Asibor is not part of the Akwa Ibom command. He clarified that SC Akan Ekanem holds the position of Head of Anti-Vandal. The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to cooperating with all investigations and stated it would never shield personnel found wanting. Furthermore, the command asserted that its relationship with other security agencies in Akwa Ibom is "symbiotic and extremely cordial." Regarding the alleged refusal to distribute tech operational system packs and drones, Ekerete explained that such equipment requires personnel to complete mandatory training before deployment, which is being arranged with national headquarters resources.

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The attention of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, has been drawn to a publication by …. 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.