The new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Cross River State, Mr. Chima Eke Okarazu, has vowed to clamp down on vandals and criminal elements sabotaging public infrastructure across the state.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian in Calabar on Friday, Okarazu warned perpetrators of vandalism to desist or face the full wrath of the law, stressing that the command is intensifying efforts to protect critical national assets and ensure peace across the state.

He disclosed that between 2024 and 2025, the command arrested 24 suspects in various operations carried out by its Tactical Squad for offences ranging from vandalism and theft to other criminal activities.

Out of the total, 15 have been convicted, while seven cases are still pending at the Federal High Court in Calabar.

Okarazu explained that the arrests were made by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Unit of the NSCDC in collaboration with other security agencies, which have maintained round-the-clock surveillance across key installations.
“These successes reflect our unwavering commitment to combating criminality and safeguarding both public and private infrastructure within Cross River State,” the Commandant said.
“Hoodlums and criminals have been warned several times to steer clear of the state if they desire peace.”

He revealed that operatives of the command recently apprehended suspects involved in vandalising Calachika, a multi-billion-naira state-owned infrastructure project, recovering several exhibits in the process.

Okarazu added that, following directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NSCDC had engaged with stakeholders and end users such as scrap dealers and scavengers to discourage the purchase of vandalised materials.

The command, he said, is also working closely with telecommunications firms and other operators of critical infrastructure to strengthen protection measures.

He noted that these initiatives have significantly reduced cases of cable vandalism across the state.

While calling on residents to support security efforts by providing timely intelligence, Okarazu assured that all information shared with the Corps would be treated with strict confidentiality.
“The Cross River Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” he said. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to our offices or any nearby security agency for prompt action.”

The Commandant also highlighted challenges facing the Corps, including inadequate logistics, operational vehicles, and an unconducive work environment resulting from a windstorm disaster on November 9, 2024, which destroyed the command’s headquarters and equipment worth millions of naira.

He commended Governor Bassey Otu for his support to security agencies in the state, but appealed for the urgent renovation of the command’s damaged headquarters to enable personnel to perform their duties effectively.