The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has welcomed a new State Commandant as Commandant Odimba Chukwuemeka officially assumes duty as the 20th substantive State Commandant of the Command.
The formal handover ceremony took place on Friday, 13 March 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia, where the outgoing State Commandant, Commandant Akinsola Aderemi, handed over the affairs of the Command to the incoming Commandant in a brief but colourful ceremony attended by senior officers of the Command.
In his remarks, the outgoing Commandant expressed appreciation to officers and men of the Command for the support, loyalty, and cooperation they extended to him during his tenure. He urged them to extend the same level of commitment and professionalism to the new Commandant in order to sustain the growth and operational successes of the Corps in the state.
“I will not forget in a hurry the kind of atmosphere I experienced during my time here, with dedicated personnel who demonstrated a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties,” he said.
In his response, the new State Commandant, Commandant Odimba Chukwuemeka, appreciated the warm reception given to him by officers and men of the Command and assured them of an inclusive leadership style.
According to him, “Officers come and officers go, but the institution remains. On that note, I expect nothing from officers and men except their full cooperation and support to enable me effectively carry out my mandate.”
As part of his familiarisation activities, the new Commandant also held a strategic meeting with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd.), aimed at strengthening collaboration and enhancing security coordination in the state.