It was a moment of celebration and deep reflection on Friday, December 26, 2025, as family members, friends, colleagues, partners and security chiefs gathered to honour Commandant Bashar Kefas Hussaini at his retirement and pull-out ceremony, marking the end of an illustrious 35-year career in national security.
The ceremony celebrated the retirement of Comdt Hussaini, the immediate past State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command. Guests were treated to a colourful and emotionally charged event that fittingly captured the weight of his contributions to national service.
A highlight of the ceremony was the reading of his citation, which drew resounding applause from the audience. The citation chronicled his remarkable professional journey across two major federal security agencies—the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the NSCDC—where he distinguished himself through discipline, competence and dedication.
Comdt Bashar Hussaini began his career as a member of Cadet Officer Course 1 of the NDLEA. Over the years, he served in several sensitive and strategic capacities, including assignments with Interpol, secondment to the Defence Headquarters, and participation in major joint security operations such as Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Delta Safe (OPDS). He also served as Personal Assistant and Chief Security Officer to two former NDLEA Chairmen/Chief Executive Officers, Mr. Fidelis Oyakhilome and General M. M. Bamaiyi.
Widely regarded as a well-trained and consummate professional, Comdt Hussaini underwent extensive security training both locally and internationally. His training institutions include the Detective College, Enugu; Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; Defence Intelligence College, Karo; and the prestigious Metropolitan Police Institute, Scotland Yard, England. In 2005, he transferred his services to the NSCDC, where he continued to build on his solid professional foundation.
He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Security (NiiS), a member of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), and a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Virginia, United States.
During his tenure as State Commandant in Akwa Ibom, Comdt Hussaini led several high-impact operations that resulted in the arrest of dozens of vandals targeting critical national infrastructure. His administration also recorded ongoing prosecutions, four successful convictions, and the strategic deployment of security personnel along the fast-growing Ikot Abasi–Eastern Obolo–Eket–Ibeno economic corridor to prevent economic sabotage. He further coordinated decisive actions against illegal mining activities in the state, significantly reducing the menace.
Beyond operations, his leadership left a strong social and welfare footprint. He oversaw the establishment of the NSCDC Akwa Ibom State Command Welfare Scheme, facilitated capacity-building workshops for officers and personnel, and donated chairs to the command hall to improve facilities.
In separate goodwill messages, the State Comptroller of Immigration, CIS A. G. Odika, and the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, CC Francis Ajatta, congratulated Comdt Hussaini on the successful completion of his national service. They praised his professionalism, recalled memorable encounters, and wished him a fulfilling and peaceful retirement.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including his successor, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe; the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Security, DCP Francis Ehrabor (rtd); the Chairman of ALPSPN, Barrister Etetim Onuk; the Chairman of the State Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee, Mr. Godwin Ekpo; and members of the ECWA Church, among others.
The emotional high point of the ceremony came during the ceremonial pull-out, when his wife, Mrs. Reila Hussaini Bashar, joined him as he mounted the staff car. Surrounded by fellow Commandants of the Corps, Comdt Hussaini waved farewell, marking the end of a daily routine he had faithfully upheld for 35 years and the beginning of a new chapter in life.