NSCDC denies claims of fractured security relations

Nkereuwem Effiong

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, has strongly refuted media reports claiming it has a fractured relationship with sister security agencies in the state, clarifying that newly acquired drones remain undistributed because personnel are still awaiting technical training.

A local tabloid, SecretsReporters, had accused the State Commandant, Geraldine Abetianbe, of fostering poor inter-agency relations, withholding operational tech packs and drones, and victimising staff through unfair appointments.

However, a statement issued in Uyo on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Friday Ekerete, dismissed the allegations as malicious, misleading, and entirely lacking in factual basis.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, has been drawn to a publication by SecretsReporters containing several allegations against the State Commandant, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe. The Command finds the publication to be malicious, misleading and lacking in factual basis.”

Addressing the specific allegations regarding the withholding of high-tech equipment, the command explained that strict operational protocols were being followed.

“The allegation that the command refused to distribute tech operational system packs is false and malicious,” the statement continued, “The command took delivery of tech systems and drones earlier this year. This 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. Due process is being followed in line with corps policy in this regard.”

The command also firmly rejected claims of friction with other security branches, emphasising that inter-agency cooperation remains exceptionally strong.

“There is no iota of truth in the claim that the relationship with sister security agencies in the state is fractured. 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.”

Furthermore, the command dismissed parallel allegations against the Commandant concerning staff appointments, the victimisation of personnel, a lack of cooperation with official investigations, and the mismanagement of the staff welfare scheme.

Reaffirming its dedication to its core duties, the command stated that it would not be distracted by attempts to sow discord within the corps or among its security partners. It urged the media to always seek verification from the command before publishing stories to avoid spreading misinformation.