(New Commandant of the NSCDC, Rivers State Command, Reuben Lessor Dennis. Photo Credit: Punch News)
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State Command has a new helmsman in Commandant Reuben Lessor Dennis, following a handing and taking over ceremony at the command’s headquarters along Olu Obasanjo Road in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The outgoing State Commandant, Joachin Okafor, symbolically transferred the seal of authority to Dennis, who until his appointment served as the command’s second-in-command and most recently as Head of Department, Operations, Zone 9, Port Harcourt.
In his farewell speech, Okafor thanked NSCDC Commandant-General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi for the privilege of serving the Corps, and also acknowledged Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalaye Fubara for his support, particularly the donation of 10 Hilux patrol vans which enhanced the command’s operational capabilities.
He urged his successor to prioritise securing a permanent site for the command.
Incoming Commandant Dennis pledged to sustain the legacies of his predecessor and strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies across the state.
He also committed to intensifying the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, warning criminal elements to steer clear of the state as the command would deal decisively with economic sabotage and vandalism.
Dennis further vowed to prioritise personnel training, intelligence gathering, and improved welfare for officers and men of the command.
He warned that indiscipline and misconduct would not be tolerated, and that disciplinary action would be taken against any erring officer.
He urged residents to support security efforts, stressing that safety remains a collective responsibility, and thanked President Bola Tinubu and the NSCDC Commandant-General for the opportunity to serve in his new capacity.
Highlights of the ceremony included the signing of handover notes and the symbolic transfer of the NSCDC flag.
