Navy, NSCDC Synergise To Curb Oil Theft 

The Nigerian Navy has expressed its readiness to effectively strengthen ties with the Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State, in combating vandalism of oil pipelines and illegal dealings in petroleum products in the State.
The Commandant, NSCDC, Rivers State, Basil Igwebueze, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Commodore  Igbo DSS PSC FSI FDC, at the Naval Base, Port Harcourt.
In a Statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State NSCDC, SC Olufemi Ayodele, and made available to TheTide, Basil stated that the Nigerian Navy remained champion in maritime operations and stressed the need for stronger synergy to enhance training and re-training of the Corps personnel to further tap more knowledge from the naval operational expertise.
Commandant Basil while stating the purpose of the visit, recalled the impactful experience gathered when the Commander NNS was in charge of Operations and Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Course which they both attended stated that it was an opportunity for him to work with the Nigerian Navy to combat the menace of oil theft in the state.
“We have a marching order from the NSCDC Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni OFR who mandated all formations to partner strongly with all Sisters Security Agencies in order to nip in the bud all operations of illegal refineries, vandalism of oil pipelines and illegal dealings in petroleum products across the coastal region.
“On this note I sincerely request that the NNS Pathfinder continue to work with us and also give advice as well as make corrections where necessary so that together we can boost the country’s economic growth and rid the nation from unscrupulous elements sabotaging the economy”, he said.
In his response, the Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Desmond Igbo, noted that the need for Inter-Agency collaborations and sharing of actionable Intelligence cannot be undermined adding that Intelligence gathering was the bedrock of any effective Security operations.
While revealing that the Nigerian Navy and the NSCDC had a  aged long relationship, Commander Igbo maintained that the Command under his watch would sustain the synergy to achieve the common national goal.
He further lauded the NSCDC Rivers State Commandant for being the first Service Commander to pay him a courtesy call upon his assumption of office as the 35th Commander NNS Pathfinder in Rivers State.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu