NSCDC BOSS WHO TRANSFERRED AKWA IBOM OFFICERS REDEPLOYED TO ZONAL HEADQUARTERS

The former Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Geraldine Sixtus Abetianbe, has been redeployed to the Corps’ Zonal Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following controversy over the transfer of dozens of officers out of Akwa Ibom.

Abetianbe’s redeployment came after complaints that 60 officers were transferred from the Akwa Ibom State Command to different parts of the country, with affected personnel alleging that the exercise disproportionately targeted indigenes of the state.

Reports on the controversy indicated that the transfers, which took effect in September, were made without financial benefits, leaving affected officers concerned about how to fund their transportation and relocation to their new duty posts.

The development sparked allegations of victimisation and questions about the justification for moving officers who had served in Akwa Ibom for several years to distant states, including areas facing serious security challenges.

Abetianbe was subsequently removed from the state command, paving the way for Commandant Olariche Jonathan Ogueri to assume duty on Monday, October 12, 2026, as the 18th substantive State Commandant.

Reports also linked her redeployment to interventions by senior government officials following complaints over the transfers. However, the allegations surrounding the exercise have not been independently established in their entirety.

In a report on the controversy, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, reportedly confirmed Abetianbe’s redeployment but rejected suggestions that the transfers could be reversed, describing personnel movements as part of the Corps’ established practice.

Meanwhile, the new commandant has pledged to reposition the Akwa Ibom Command through intelligence driven operations, improved personnel capacity and stronger protection of critical national assets.

Speaking during his assumption of duty at the command headquarters in Uyo, Ogueri unveiled a three point agenda focusing on leadership development, advancement of the Corps’ core mandate, and capacity building and empowerment.

He also promised to intensify operations against oil theft, illegal bunkering, illegal mining and vandalism, while calling for improved collaboration with the state government, other security agencies and members of the public.

Ogueri’s assumption of duty marks a leadership change at the command amid continuing questions over the controversial transfers and the welfare of the affected officers.