The new Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jonathan Olariche, has vowed to intensify the fight against oil theft, vandalism of critical national assets and other criminal activities, placing the protection of public infrastructure at the centre of his security agenda.
Olariche, who has assumed duty as the 18th State Commandant, made the commitment while addressing officers and men of the command on Monday, following his transfer from the position of Zonal Commandant in Awka.
He said the command would strengthen its operational capacity to safeguard government infrastructure, protect lives and property, and tackle criminal elements operating across the state.
The new commandant outlined a three-point agenda of leadership development, advancement of the corps’ core mandate, and capacity building and empowerment, which he said would guide the command’s operations under his leadership.
Addressing personnel under the theme, “Dawn of a New Paradigm,” Olariche called for a change in attitude and greater commitment to professional standards, warning that the command could not achieve improved results without a corresponding change in the conduct of its officers.
“We cannot expect new results with old habits,” he said, urging personnel across all ranks to embrace discipline, dedication, promptness and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
He also declared a zero-tolerance stance on failure, insisting that officers must align their conduct with the command’s renewed emphasis on professionalism and effective service delivery.
Olariche said the protection of critical national assets would remain a priority, particularly in confronting oil theft and the destruction of infrastructure, crimes that pose security and economic concerns.
He called on officers and men to cooperate with the command’s leadership in implementing the new agenda, stressing that the success of the planned reforms would depend on collective commitment and effective execution.
The commandant also appealed to residents of Akwa Ibom to support security operations by providing credible information on suspected criminals and other activities that could threaten public safety.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Our doors are ever open for constructive collaboration, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect,” he said.
Olariche’s assumption of duty places renewed attention on the NSCDC’s responsibility to protect critical national assets and infrastructure in Akwa Ibom, with the commandant urging both personnel and residents to contribute to a safer state.
