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

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced a leadership change in its Akwa Ibom State Command following mounting allegations of administrative high handedness, questionable mass transfers and alleged victimisation of indigenous personnel under the outgoing State Commandant, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe.

The development followed reports detailing complaints by personnel over the handling of administrative and operational affairs in the command, including the controversial transfer of almost 30 senior officers to different parts of the country.Sources familiar with the development said the affected officers were transferred to various states, including locations in northern Nigeria, under circumstances that allegedly failed to take adequate account of their statutory transfer entitlements.

The officers reportedly complained that the transfers imposed significant financial and personal burdens on them, particularly where relocation, transportation, accommodation and resettlement expenses were involved.

Beyond the disputed transfers, sources within the Corps alleged that the commandant’s leadership style had strained internal cohesion and affected the traditionally expected synergy between the NSCDC and other security agencies operating in the state. Some personnel reportedly accused the command of creating an atmosphere in which inter agency cooperation and professional relationships were adversely affected.

There are also allegations of victimisation of some indigenous officers of the Corps, with sources claiming that personnel perceived to be opposed to the commandant’s administrative decisions were among those affected by the transfer exercise.

These allegations could not, however, be independently verified, and the reasons officially given for each individual posting remain unclear.The controversy has reportedly prompted higher level intervention within the security establishment, with affected personnel expected to receive their statutory transfer allowances.

The development is also understood to have reinforced calls for greater transparency in the deployment and transfer of personnel within the Corps, particularly where such decisions involve senior officers and significant relocation costs.Despite the reported change of leadership, sources said the outgoing commandant had continued to make administrative moves involving some of the officers affected by the controversial transfers ahead of her formal departure from the command.

The situation has reportedly generated further concern among personnel and heightened calls for a transparent transition.Although a general circular formally announcing the change of leadership was not immediately sighted at the command, sources said Abetianbe had received a redeployment letter transferring her to another zone.

The officer designated to take over the Akwa Ibom Command was also said to have received his posting letter on Wednesday, signalling an imminent change of command.The development is coming against the backdrop of wider leadership changes within the NSCDC, with reports indicating that several other state commands are also experiencing changes in their leadership.

For the Akwa Ibom Command, however, the leadership change has assumed particular significance because of the allegations surrounding the outgoing administration. Apart from questions over the transfer of nearly 30 senior officers, concerns have been raised about alleged victimisation of indigenous personnel, internal cohesion and the quality of inter agency relationships under the command.

The latest development is therefore expected to provide the Corps with an opportunity to restore confidence among personnel, strengthen professional relationships with sister security agencies and rebuild an environment where transfers and other administrative decisions are guided by established regulations, fairness and operational considerations.