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

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, Commandant Okarazu Chima, has reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to strengthening inter agency collaboration to enhance security and support sustainable development across the state.

Commandant Okarazu made the commitment on Tuesday while receiving two strategic delegations at the Command Headquarters in Calabar.

The first delegation was led by the newly deployed Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Cross River State Command, Comptroller O. C. Anyanwu, who paid a familiarisation and courtesy visit to the NSCDC leadership.

During the meeting, both agencies discussed areas of mutual interest, including intelligence sharing, border security management, monitoring of undocumented migrants, and efforts to combat human trafficking along the state’s land and maritime borders.Commandant Okarazu welcomed the Immigration Comptroller and assured him of the Command’s full cooperation and operational support.

He stressed that effective collaboration among agencies under the Ministry of Interior remains critical to addressing emerging security challenges and safeguarding national interests.In a separate engagement, the Commandant also received the management team and directors of the Greater Calabar Capital City Development Authority (GCCCDA), led by its Director General, Hon. Ekpo Bassey.

The delegation sought the support of the NSCDC in carrying out its statutory mandate, particularly in the areas of urban renewal, city decongestion, environmental management, and enforcement of development control regulations within the Calabar metropolis.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Bassey underscored the importance of robust security backing in enforcing urban planning policies, curbing illegal developments, and ensuring compliance with approved city development standards.Responding,

Commandant Okarazu pledged the Command’s unwavering support for the Authority’s activities, noting that a properly planned, orderly, and decongested city environment significantly enhances security and public safety.He maintained that security and urban development are closely linked, adding that effective enforcement of planning regulations contributes to crime prevention and sustainable growth.

The two meetings ended with renewed commitments by the respective agencies to deepen cooperation, promote lawful operations, and work collectively towards a safer, more organised, and economically vibrant Cross River State.