By Olowookere Johnson, Akure

In Ondo State today, one name that resonates strongly within the security community and among the general public is Commandant Oluyemi Joshua Ibiloye, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). His stewardship has not only redefined security coordination in the state but has also earned him the rare distinction of being described as one of the “super ambassadors” of the NSCDC, a title conferred informally by stakeholders who see him as a model of dedication, discipline, and results-driven leadership.

When he assumed office in Ondo State, security analysts observed a surge in criminal activities ranging from vandalism of public utilities, illegal dealings in petroleum products, kidnapping, cultism, and increasing threats to schools and rural communities. What followed under his leadership was a deliberate, carefully coordinated plan of action that repositioned the NSCDC as a frontline agency in crime prevention, protection of critical assets, and community engagement.

Within a year of his tenure, the Ondo NSCDC Command, under Ibiloye’s leadership, recorded dozens of arrests of suspected vandals, kidnappers, illegal miners, and pipeline saboteurs. Data released by the command showed the recovery of several thousands of litres of illegally siphoned petroleum products and the dismantling of multiple syndicates that had threatened both the local economy and national assets. These operations were often carried out in synergy with the Nigerian Police, the Army, the DSS, and the Amotekun Corps, with Ibiloye credited for strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the state.

Stakeholders also highlight his commitment to school protection. Through the National Safe Schools Initiative, Ibiloye deployed trained operatives to guard public and private schools across vulnerable areas of the state, a move that was widely applauded by parents and education authorities. This proactive approach reduced incidents of vandalism and forestalled potential abduction attempts, ensuring that learning continued without fear.

Under his watch, public utilities such as power installations, oil pipelines, water facilities, and communication infrastructure enjoyed increased security cover. The NSCDC in Ondo was visible not only in surveillance but in rapid response, ensuring that saboteurs were either arrested or deterred. The consistent protection of these assets was singled out by government officials and energy stakeholders as a key contribution to Ondo’s relative stability.

Security enthusiasts, community leaders, and civil society groups have all lauded Commandant Ibiloye’s efforts. At a recent security forum in Akure, a coalition of community development associations described him as “a people’s Commandant who understands the balance between operational toughness and community trust.” Civil society organizations monitoring security reforms have equally ranked him among the most proactive NSCDC commanders in Nigeria, citing his accessibility to the public, readiness to deploy personnel in rural areas, and his emphasis on intelligence-led policing.

The Ondo State government, in its appraisal of security agencies, noted that the NSCDC under Ibiloye has been instrumental in stabilising rural communities previously under threat of criminality, particularly in oil-producing and border areas. It is this broad-based appreciation that has led many stakeholders to describe him as one of the “super ambassadors” of the NSCDC, a model officer whose work reflects the Corps’ national mandate. His visibility in the field, openness to collaboration, and emphasis on protecting public utilities have created an impression of leadership that transcends routine duty.

The public recognition of these efforts culminated in his decoration with the Security Icon of the Year Award by Chronicle Media. For many in Ondo State, the award was not just a personal honour for Ibiloye but a collective endorsement of the NSCDC as a trusted partner in the fight against crime and the protection of critical national assets.

For residents of Ondo, the presence of the NSCDC under Ibiloye’s command is more than a uniformed force; it is a reassurance that security is not just the responsibility of soldiers and police officers but also of civil defenders working quietly but relentlessly to protect daily life. As security challenges evolve nationwide, Ibiloye’s work in Ondo State continues to serve as a reference point for effective security management, rooted in discipline, collaboration, and community trust. For now, the verdict of stakeholders is unanimous: Commandant Oluyemi Joshua Ibiloye has not only earned the title of Security Icon of the Year, but he also embodies the spirit of service that the NSCDC stands for.

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