The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has inaugurated Commandant Dennis Lessor Reuben as its 16th substantive State Commandant, with a pledge to intensify the protection of critical national assets and strengthen the fight against economic sabotage and vandalism.
Commandant Reuben took over from the outgoing State Commandant, Commandant Joachin Okafor, during a handing and taking over ceremony held at the Command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, where the symbolic transfer of authority was performed.
The new State Commandant, who was until his appointment the immediate past second-in-command of the Rivers State Command and Head of Operations, Zone 9, Port Harcourt, promised to sustain the achievements of his predecessor and deepen collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders to enhance security across the state.
He warned criminal elements to steer clear of Rivers State, stressing that the command under his leadership would deal decisively with all forms of economic sabotage, vandalism and threats to critical national infrastructure.
Reuben also pledged to prioritise training and retraining of personnel, intelligence gathering and improved welfare for officers and men of the command.
He further cautioned officers and men of the corps against acts of indiscipline and misconduct, warning that his administration would not hesitate to sanction any erring personnel.
The new State Commandant emphasised that security remains a collective responsibility and called on residents to support security agencies in tackling insecurity in the state.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing State Commandant, Commandant Joachin Okafor, expressed appreciation to the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for the opportunity to serve the corps and the nation.
He also thanked the Rivers State Government for its support, particularly the donation of 10 Hilux patrol vehicles, which he said significantly enhanced the operational capacity of the command.
Okafor listed some of the achievements recorded during his tenure to include the installation of a 60KVA mini-solar grid by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to power the command headquarters, the restoration and refurbishment of abandoned operational vehicles, improved inter-agency collaboration and the inclusion of the NSCDC as a key member of the State Security Council.
He urged his successor to prioritise the acquisition of a permanent site for the Rivers State Command.
