The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has debunked reports claiming that the 10 Hilux vans donated to its Rivers State Command by Governor Siminalayi Fubara were linked to the recently concluded local government elections in the state.
In a statement issued today, the Rivers State Commandant, Joachin Okafor, dismissed the allegations, describing them as “misleading and unfounded.”
Speaking through the Command’s spokesperson, Olufemi Ayodele, Okafor clarified that the vehicles were donated before the elections and were not intended as a reward for any participation in the poll.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps did not participate in the local government elections. Our role, as always, was to carry out our constitutional mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, not election-related activities,” Okafor said.
He explained that the donation of the vehicles occurred after the Commandant’s courtesy visit to Governor Fubara, during which achievements such as the arrest of suspects involved in crude oil theft and the impounding of trucks carrying illegally refined petroleum products were highlighted.
“Governor Fubara’s gesture was solely aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the NSCDC in Rivers State, just as he has done for other security agencies. The donation took place before the elections, not as compensation for any electoral involvement,” Okafor stressed.
Addressing the rumors circulating on social media, the Commandant expressed shock at the claims that the vehicles were tied to election activities.
He reiterated that the NSCDC remains neutral and apolitical, focusing solely on its mandate to combat vandalism and protect public infrastructure.
“Contrary to the baseless allegations, our involvement in the local government elections was limited to routine patrols and safeguarding vital assets, not election monitoring or participation,” he added.
Okafor further emphasised
that the NSCDC will continue to collaborate with other security agencies in ensuring the safety of lives and property in Rivers State.
He also called on the media to refrain from publishing biased and unfounded reports, urging them to adhere to professional standards.
“The Rivers State Command remains committed to its core mandate, and we urge the public to support us by providing credible information that will aid in combating crime and ensuring security across the state,” the statement concluded.
