Late Commandant Gbenga Agun

By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The news of the passing of Commandant Gbenga Agun, the Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), came as a heavy blow to all who knew him. His departure has left a vacuum that words cannot adequately describe, both within the security family and beyond.

Commandant Agun was more than a uniformed officer. He was a patriot, a reformer, and a shining star in the galaxy of the Nigeria Securitty and Civil Defence Corps. His life was one of sacrifice, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of public service.

When he was appointed as the Commandant of Edo State, the Command was going through a trying period. Capacity had dwindled, morale among officers was low, and public trust was waning. Yet, within months, Commandant Agun brought about a remarkable turnaround that repositioned the Command for greater effectiveness.

Through strategic reforms, he revitalized the operational capacity of the Command. He introduced new training programmes, enhanced community engagement, and restored the confidence of officers and men under his leadership. His ability to achieve results within such a short time was a testament to his brilliance and dedication.

In Edo State, he strengthened civil-military relations by building trust between the NSCDC and the civilian population. Under his watch, there was improved collaboration with communities, religious institutions, and civil society groups, which helped curb crime and maintain peace.

His tenure in Edo State was marked by outstanding operational successes. He supervised no fewer than 3,000 officers and men, providing leadership that resulted in dismantling criminal syndicates and preventing countless illegal activities. These achievements speak volumes of his capacity and effectiveness as a leader.

Indeed, Commandant Agun’s legacy is not in the uniform he wore but in the lives he touched, the reforms he implemented, and the values he embodied. His story is one of faith, service, sacrifice, and humanity. He will be remembered as one of the finest officers to have served the Corps and the nation.

Colleagues describe him as a man of vision whose leadership style combined discipline with empathy. He believed that true leadership was about service, and he demonstrated this daily until his last breath.

Beyond his administrative successes, Commandant Agun was a loyal officer to the high command of the NSCDC. His unwavering obedience to authority, coupled with his innovative ideas, earned him the respect and admiration of his superiors.

Friends remember him as a humble personality who never allowed rank or office to cloud his humanity. Despite his high position, he remained approachable, simple, and ever willing to listen to others.

To his colleagues and subordinates, he was a father figure, a mentor of enviable pedigree, and a role model whose guidance left lasting imprints. Many young officers today testify that their careers and discipline were shaped under his careful mentorship.

His leadership was not about power but about service. He led from the front, inspired by example, and never asked of his men what he was unwilling to do himself. This rare quality endeared him to many and made him a pillar of stability in Edo Command.

Commandant Agun was also a devout Christian whose life was anchored on faith. He never deviated from the path and way of Christ, and his service to God reflected in his compassion, humility, and integrity. He combined spirituality with professionalism in a manner that uplifted all who encountered him.

A committed family man, he was deeply devoted to his wife, children, and extended family. He lived out the values of love, respect, and responsibility, leaving behind a family grounded in faith and unity. His home was a reflection of his character that stood for peaceful, humble, and welcoming.

One of his most outstanding attributes was his humanitarian spirit. He was known to part with his last money just to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged. His generosity extended beyond family and colleagues, reaching into the lives of ordinary citizens who will forever remember his kindness.

At the People’s Security Monitor, we feel his passing with deep pain. Commandant Agun was not just a professional ally but a dependable partner and confidant who believed in our mission and supported our work wholeheartedly. His encouragement during difficult times was invaluable, and his insights sharpened our resolve.

The vacuum created by his death is more than professional; it is personal. For us at the People’s Security Monitor, it is an indelible trauma, the kind that lingers long after the tears are wiped away. We mourn not just an officer but a friend, a confidant, and a brother.

He will also be remembered for his ability to inspire courage during moments of difficulty. Whether in the field or at the Command headquarters, his reassuring presence gave hope to officers under pressure and renewed the confidence of communities in need of protection.

The people of Edo State and the entire Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps family have lost a rare gem. The vacuum created by his death will take years to fill; but his memory will remain alive in the annals of history as a man who gave his best to his nation, his Corps, and humanity.

As we say farewell to this gallant patriot, we pray that Almighty God sustains and comforts the family he left behind. May his soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord. Rest on Commandant Gbenga Agun. Our friend, our brother, our confidant, our benefactor, and our hero.