By Fredrick Koma, Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and operational synergy with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to combat crime and safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Dennis Lesor Reuben, to the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Olusola Aguda, fsi, at the DSS State Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Speaking during the visit, Commandant Reuben highlighted the evolving security challenges confronting the nation and stressed the importance of closer cooperation among security agencies in addressing emerging threats. He noted that effective collaboration remains essential to enhancing national security and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The NSCDC Commandant advocated for improved intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and the strengthening of intelligence-gathering capabilities through specialized training, retraining, and refresher programmes facilitated by the DSS.

Reuben reiterated the readiness of the NSCDC Rivers State Command to work closely with sister security agencies in promoting peace, stability, and a crime-free environment throughout the state.

Responding, the DSS State Director, Mr. Olusola Aguda, described Rivers State as a strategic economic hub due to the concentration of critical national assets and infrastructure within its territory. He emphasized the need for security agencies to remain disciplined, professional, and proactive in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

Aguda also expressed concern over the activities of political actors and their supporters ahead of future electoral processes, noting that such periods often provide opportunities for criminal elements to foment unrest and engage in activities capable of undermining public peace and security.

He called on security agencies to intensify vigilance and strengthen operational coordination to prevent acts of economic sabotage and maintain law and order across the state.

The DSS Director further urged the NSCDC and other security stakeholders to sustain ongoing efforts against crude oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline vandalism, which continue to pose significant threats to Nigeria’s economy and energy security.

The visit underscored the growing partnership between the NSCDC and the DSS in Rivers State, reflecting a shared commitment to intelligence-driven security operations and enhanced inter-agency cooperation.

A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of a commemorative plaque by Commandant Dennis Lesor Reuben to the DSS State Director, followed by a group photograph to mark the occasion.