Bunkering: NSCDC Replaces Top Officers In Rivers After Wike’s Accusation

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has replaced its commandant in Rivers State after Governor NyesomWike accused officials of the agency of colluding with some people to operate illegal oil refineries in the state.
The head of the agency’s Anti-Vandal Unit and zonal commander has also been replaced in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the civil defence spokesperson, OlusolaOdumosu, in Abuja.
Odumosu said the action, which was taken by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, was part of efforts to ensure sanctity in the corps’ operations in Rivers.
Audi, the statement said, has declared war against petroleum pipeline vandals and illegal oil bunkerers in Rivers State.
The civil defence boss had earlier disbanded the Anti-Vandal Unit of the corps over oil bunkering allegations by Wike.
Audi charged the new leaders and newly reconstituted unit to fight all economic saboteurs by dislodging vandals, arresting oil thieves and dismantling all illegal refineries and road blocks.
“Any attempt to delay immediate prosecution of arrested suspects is tantamount to compromise.
“Any personnel caught collecting settlement or tampering with impounded tankers, petroleum products and other exhibits would be sanctioned and dealt with decisively.
“This will be according to the Standard Operating Procedures and Code of Ethics of the corps,” he said.
According to the commandant general, the action taken was a transparent move to ensure greater efficiency in the frontline of the corps’ anti-vandalism campaign in Rivers State, which is the epicentre of oil exploration activities.
Audi revealed the corps’ plan to develop “telescopic monitoring procedure on all activities of anti-vandal squads in all formations”.
He said that personnel not living up to expectations of the corps would be dismissed immediately.
“You must wake up from your slumber to arrest and prosecute vandals and criminals,” Audi said.
He disclosed that he had received the report of the investigation carried out by the committee set up to investigate Wike’s allegations.
Wike, known for his outspoken nature, had said that the operation of illegal refineries was responsible for the soot pollution in Port Harcourt and its environs.