NSCDC Assures Proactive Steps To Tame Oil Thieves In Rivers

The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Abubakar Audi has affirmed that the inferno which occurred in its facility in Oyigbo would not deter the corps’ renewed vigour to wipe out the activities of vandals in Rivers State.
While speaking to newsmen at the Rivers State Command exhibit yard in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,Audi maintained that the NSCDC was the lead agency in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure which includes oil pipelines.
He assured that the corps would not relent in her continuous arrest of those sabotaging the resources of the nation, noting that the mainstay of the nation’s wealth was crude oil, adding that any act of vandalism, oil bunkering and illegal dealings in petroleum products would adversely affect the economy.
“The fire incident is a very unfortunate one, and the corps is not happy with it.It is noteworthy that over 40 arrests have been made by the command lately, and the suspects were charged to court.
“You will definitely agree that this occurrence is the handiwork of saboteurs but we will not be deterred. A high-powered Intelligence and Investigation panel has been set up, and we will get back to Nigerians when the investigative report is out.
“Let me assure the people of Iriebe Community that their safety is guaranteed. We will continue to protect them. The inferno is extinguished already, there is no cause for alarm”, Audi said.
A statement issued by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer for Rivers State, Olufemi Ayodele, said the commandant general, in a bid to boost the morale of the officers and men of Rivers State, proceeded to the command headquarters where he charged the officers to shun every act inimical to the corporate image of the corps.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to adequate welfare of personnel as he further urged them to be more dedicated, loyal and courageous while discharging their statutory duties.
Audi intimated the officers on the need to give maximum support to the state commandant who was deployed to the command based on his pedigree of hardwork, wealth of experience, uncompromising diligence and administrative competence.
The CG further expressed appreciation to the Federal Fire Service, the State Fire Service, Shell Petroleum Development Company as well as Eze Jeremiah Worenwu and the iriebe community who welcomed the NSCDC high-powered delegation from the national headquarters, Abuja with the promise of collaborating with the corps to give credible intelligence that would aid in arresting vandals in the state.
He also commended the existing collaborations amongst the security agencies, stressing that such synergywas fundamental inorder to succeed in the fight against criminalities across the federation.