NANS Gives NSCDC CG 72-Hour Ultimatum to Probe Akwa Ibom Commandant Over Alleged Misconduct

By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to immediately commence an investigation into allegations of misconduct levelled against the Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the Corps, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe.

In a petition addressed to the NSCDC leadership, the student body reportedly gave the Commandant General a 72-hour ultimatum to initiate a transparent and independent probe into the allegations, warning that failure to act could undermine public confidence in the Corps and its commitment to accountability.

The students expressed concern over a series of allegations that have recently trailed the Akwa Ibom State Command, including claims of administrative irregularities, alleged victimisation of personnel, non-deployment of operational equipment, and other issues relating to the management of the command.

According to NANS, while the allegations remain unproven, they are serious enough to warrant a thorough investigation in the interest of transparency, institutional integrity, and public trust.

The association urged the NSCDC leadership to demonstrate its commitment to accountability by conducting an impartial inquiry that would establish the true facts surrounding the allegations.

However, Commandant Abetianbe had earlier dismissed the allegations, describing them as false, misleading, and designed to create a wrong impression about her leadership and the operations of the NSCDC in Akwa Ibom State.

In a detailed response made public recently, the state commandant maintained that her administration has remained focused on strengthening operational effectiveness, improving personnel welfare, enhancing collaboration with sister security agencies, and protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

Addressing allegations regarding the non-distribution of surveillance equipment and drones, Abetianbe explained that the assets were being managed in accordance with established operational procedures and could not be deployed without adequate training for personnel.

She stated that the command was committed to ensuring accountability, operational efficiency, and the safe deployment of modern surveillance technology.

The commandant also rejected allegations that she marginalised indigenes of Akwa Ibom State or favoured officers from her ethnic background in appointments, insisting that all postings and assignments within the command were based strictly on merit, professionalism, competence, and the federal character principle.

According to her, several strategic departments within the command are headed by qualified Akwa Ibom indigenes and officers selected based on their experience and performance.

Abetianbe further dismissed claims that relations between the NSCDC and other security agencies in the state had deteriorated under her leadership.

She noted that the command continues to maintain strong working relationships with the Nigerian Police Force, the military, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other stakeholders through intelligence sharing and joint operations.

On allegations that the command had obstructed investigations or shielded officers accused of misconduct, she insisted that the NSCDC under her watch has always adhered to the principles of transparency, due process, and accountability.

The commandant also clarified issues surrounding a controversial welfare scheme, explaining that the initiative predated her assumption of office and was intended to support personnel welfare.

She stated that after concerns were raised by some officers, she directed that refunds be made and the arrangement discontinued in order to maintain harmony within the command.

Despite the commandant’s rebuttal, NANS maintained that an independent investigation remains necessary to establish the facts and reassure both personnel and members of the public.

The student body urged the NSCDC headquarters to treat the matter with urgency and ensure that any findings arising from the investigation are made public in the interest of transparency.

As of the time of filing this report, the NSCDC headquarters had not issued an official response to the ultimatum issued by the student association.

The development has sparked renewed discussions about accountability within public institutions, with observers noting that a prompt and transparent investigation could help clear the air and strengthen confidence in the Corps regardless of the outcome.