We’re combating proliferation of arms through creeks – NSCDC Commandant

Tina Amanda

The Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State, Basil Igwebueze, says the Command has instituted some mechanisms that will ensure the core mandate of the Corps is achieved.

Commandant Igwebueze disclosed this during a familiarisation with journalists in Port Harcourt, saying the mechanism will help build back the general public’s trust in the Corps.

He noted that he is ready to work with staff and command personnel in decision-making and activities for more robust leadership.

He further assured that the Command, as a committee of security agencies, will ensure that the state’s residents’ lives and properties are protected.

The Command boss reiterated that they are working assiduously to combat the proliferation of arms and weapons into the country through the waterways.

“When they say security failed, it means intelligence has failed because it is intelligence that drives security operations. We champion intelligence acquisition needed for internal security; that is one of the tremendous efforts we have contributed to ensuring lives and property are secured.

“Of late, we discovered there has been an increase in the proliferation of arms and weapons, small or light arms. In the Niger Delta specifically, we have a lot of Creeks, and they provide avenues through which some of these weapons are ferried into the country, thereby increasing the insecurity we face.

“When I came here, a lot of damages have been recorded, and we are effortlessly doing damage control and instituting mechanisms through which we can still win back the trust that the stakeholders and the public have in us.

“I also intend and have gone headlong to ensure the generality of the interest of senior Staff and other personnel are accommodated so that most of the activities and decision-making will no longer be that of the Commandant churning out instructions or directives. It could be said the management deliberated on some issues and steps to ensure purposive leadership.

“These are some of the things I have pursued within my short stay. I intend to expand them, so the public will know the Command has taken back its place in the committee of security agencies. We must be awake while you sleep and will continue to ensure you sleep with your two eyes closed”.

Commandant Igwebueze also urged the media to continue in its synergy with the Command to ensure that criminal activities within the critical assets, pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the state are brought to the bearest.

“I am here to promote the relationship between the Corps and the press. I am not here to truncate the relationship; it has been a robust leadership with historical long-standing.

“I appreciate the media contributions to the development of NSCDC Rivers State Command and the Corps in general. The various media organisations have showcased enviably the amiable Commandant General Abubakar Ahmed Audi, who personifies the Corps activities and has always appreciated the press, so I am learning from him.

“Now that I am here, I will demonstrate that good relationship, NSCDC is for you, NSCDC is for us. We are not perfect. We are receptive to ideas and like to improve; we can not stop learning; once you observe a lapse, feel free to bring it to the Command’s attention, we will quickly take dressing and make amends.”