Joachim Okafor has assumed office as the new commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Rivers.
The command’s spokesman, Olufemi Ayodele, made this known in a statement in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Ayodele said the new commandant succeeded Mr Igwebueze, who has been redeployed.
He said Okafor would oversee operations against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the state.
Ayodele said before Okafor’s new role, he had served as the NSCDC commandant in Niger.
At the handover ceremony at the command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, NSCDC Zone L Commander, Mr Ayinla Olowo, described Okafor as an experienced, dedicated and resourceful officer.
He expressed confidence in his ability to enhance security for the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.
Addressing NSCDC operatives, Okafor assured that he would work to restore the integrity of the security outfit in Rivers.
He stressed the importance of protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure, which is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
“To achieve this, we will collaborate with the government, sister security agencies, community and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youths and the media to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“This robust collaboration would help to mitigate environmental degradation and other associated crimes in Rivers State,” Okafor said.