By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has stated that it arrested 105 suspects linked to illegal dealings in petroleum products, criminal conspiracy to aid the operation of illegal oil bunkering activities, illegal mining and dredging, advance free fraud, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), amongst others, in the last three months.
This is as the Command also read its Riot Act, warning officers against involvement in the illegal business.
The NSCDC in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, CC Olufemi Ayodele, reiterated the commitment of the Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, in curtailing the menace of Oil theft, pipeline vandalism. It also warned that the command will deal with any personnel caught aiding illegal oil bunkering activities in the State, in accordance with extant law.
Reading the riot act to officers serving in the Antivandal Unit, Marine Unit, Component Commanders and general duty officers, Monday, Igwebueze stressed that the Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni OFR has zero tolerance for any act that would denigrate or degrade the corporate image of the NSCDC across the nation.
He emphasized on the need to imbibe professionalism, discipline and implicit compliance with the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Ethical values.
“Upon my assumption of duty you were adequately briefed that my deployment to Rivers State is to effectively prosecute the Core mandate and nothing else.
“We will not hesitate to show you the way out if you are caught conniving with economic saboteurs who for their selfish reasons have refused to cease fire in their illegal dealings in petroleum products.
“Lately the authority of the Command had received allegations that some security agencies were engaging in the escort of bunkered badges and tankers, collection of tolls, patrol with unmarked vehicles and fibre boats via the waterways.
“Let me sound a note of warning to any personnel with such intentions that as soon as we receive your report, you would be officially charged and dismissed according to the extant laws guiding the Corps”, the statement read in part.
Igwebueze hinted that out of those arrested the NSCDC has secured nine convictions in the period under review.
He solicited for more credible and actionable Intelligence from the public and promised to always partner with reputable stakeholders and sister security agencies in order to rid Rivers State of the menace of Oil theft and its negative effects on the environment.