NSCDC beefs up security ahead of planned protest in Anambra

The Anambra State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it is strategising among its personnel and critical stakeholders to prevent vandalism of public assets in the state ahead of the nationwide protest across the country.

The state Commandant, NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, in a statement on Friday, said the command convened a strategic meeting of all Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Heads of Formations and Tactical Commanders at the State Command Headquarters, in Awka, in order to achieve the aim.

Olatunde said the move was in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest, aimed to develop effective measures to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, prevent the breakdown of law and order, and ensure a unified response to potential security challenges.

He warned supervisory officers to maintain utmost vigilance and assume full responsibility for the security and protection of assets.

He said, “The command appealed to protest organisers to consider alternative lawful channels for articulating grievances, cautioning against infiltration by undesirable elements, including miscreants, hoodlums, and anti-progressive individuals.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to maintain peace and order, employing all necessary and legitimate measures to  prevent any potential breakdown of law and order, and to guarantee a safe and secure atmosphere for all lawful citizens in the state.”

Meanwhile, the command has boosted its fleet with the delivery of five refurbished IVM IKENGA vehicles to enhance its ability to respond to security challenges.

According to a statement on Friday, the Superintendent of Corps and Head, Media and Tactical Operations, Okadigbo Edwin, said the five vehicles, which were previously grounded before the arrival of the present state Commandant in January this year, were restored to operational status through the collaborative efforts of the state government and the command.

The statement read in part, “The state government refurbished four vehicles, while the Command, under the leadership of Commandant Maku Olatunde, refurbished one vehicle, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the Command’s operational capacity.

“The refurbished vehicles were formally presented to the NSCDC, Anambra State Command in a ceremony held at the Government House, Awka. Superintendent of Corps, Omatah Nnamdi, the NSCDC Unit Commander at the Government House, received the vehicles on behalf of the State Commandant, Comdt. Maku Olatunde.

“The command assured that the vehicles would be utilised effectively and it would significantly enhance the Command’s capacity to safeguard critical assets and infrastructure belonging to the federal, state, and local governments in Anambra State.

“The State Commandant conveyed the heartfelt thanks of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd.), Special Adviser on Security to Mr Governor for their swift intervention in restoring the grounded vehicles to operational status, showcasing their dedication to supporting the NSCDC’s mandate.

“The addition of these five refurbished vehicles to our fleet is a welcome development, enabling us to more efficiently carry out our responsibilities,” he stated.

“We recognise the trust placed in us and pledge to leverage these vehicles to enhance the safety and security of lives and properties throughout the state.