THE Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has clarified its role in the recently concluded local government elections.
During a media briefing in Port Harcourt, the Command’s spokesperson, Olufemi Ayodele, refuted reports suggesting that the agency intervened in the elections following a court ruling barring the police from participating.
He explained that the NSCDC’s involvement was limited to routine patrols and protecting critical national assets from vandalism.
Ayodele further clarified that operational vehicles donated by the Rivers State Government prior to the elections were not linked to election activities.
These vehicles were intended to improve the Command’s operational efficiency, and no NSCDC personnel were stationed at polling centers.
According to Ayodele, after State Commandant Joachim Okafor assumed his position, he visited Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who subsequently provided the vehicles after being briefed on the Command’s achievements.
Ayodele emphasized, “The vehicles were not donated for election purposes, nor were they compensations for participating in the elections, but to enhance the Command’s patrol operations, similar to other security agencies.”
He reiterated that the NSCDC’s primary role during the election was routine patrol and protecting essential infrastructure based on intelligence reports received before the elections.
These facilities, which serve the people of Rivers State, were safeguarded to prevent vandalism, which would negatively affect both the state and national economy.
Addressing a viral video of NSCDC personnel celebrating, Ayodele clarified that the jubilation was in response to the donation of the new vehicles.
He explained that Commandant Okafor, recently appointed as the 15th Rivers State Commandant by NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, was recognized for his outstanding service, particularly as Head of the Antivandal Squad in Kano and Rivers States, as well as his tenure as Commandant of Niger State, where the Command received 20 vehicles from the Niger State Governor.
“The video circulating online shows our personnel celebrating the transformation and significant achievements that have occurred under Commandant Okafor’s leadership in just under a month,” the statement concluded.