By Sebastine Okafor

The new Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Enugu State, Mr Cyprian Otoibhi, has pledged to tackle kidnapping and vandalism headlong in the state.

Otoibhi gave the pledge on Monday in Enugu after a show-of-force by officers and men of NSCDC Enugu State Command within Enugu metropolis and beyond.

He said that when he came into the state about three weeks ago, “it was kidnapping that was the order of the day”.

“I have met with my officers on ground, and the Command has vowed to tackle the menace headlong and ensure that people are free in the state.

“We are devising means to ensure that the peace-loving people of the state sleep with their two eyes closed and people can live their lives without fear of being abducted,” he said.

The new commandant also said that the state would not be conducive for vandals any more, adding: “I will replicate what I did in Lagos here.”

“Within few months, I assure you that there will be practical evidence that Enugu State is no longer a state where vandals survive,” he said.

Otoibhi said that within three weeks in the office he had been able to fix some of the broken down operational vehicles of the Command; thus, improve the operational capability of the Command.

“As a core operational man, I have fixed some vehicles already and will still do more. The job is in the field and not the office,” he said.

On the show-of-force, the new Commandant said that it was to announce to criminals in town that a new boss is around; and “it will never be business as usual”.

“They should get ready to repent or quietly leave the state to elsewhere; it will not contain them any longer,” he assured.

He also thanked Gov. Peter Mbah for the warm welcome given to him as well as assurance to support the Command with vehicular logistics soon to enhence its operational capacity and capability.

In the show-of-force, the NSCDC personnel moved round New Market axis, Coal Camp axis, Agbani Road axis, Enugu-Port Harcourt Federal Highway, Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway, Emene axis, Abakpa Nike axis, Ogui-Ogbete axis and Okpara avenue within Enugu metropolis.