Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has given a marching order to all concerned officials of the corps to buckle up and ensure that the needful is done to halt oil theft without further delay.
In a statement by DCC Olusola Odumosu, Director, Public Relations, he said the CG Audi gave the order during the opening session of the strategic meeting, with Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and Heads of Anti Vandal Unit of the Corps, across the country.
According to the statement, Audi, who described oil as the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, stated that since the Corps is saddled with the responsibility of protecting petroleum pipelines and other oil installations, across the country, it behoves on personnel to live up to expectation by carrying out their duties effectively.
“We are aware that as far as the nation is concerned, oil is the mainstay of the economy and the massive oil theft and illegal bunkering in the country is alarming.
“It is in this direction that I have summoned all the high ranking officers of the Corps, to this meeting, for us to sit up and come up with ways of tackling this menace creating problems for us,” he stated.
It warned all officers and men of the corps against conniving with criminals as anybody caught will not be spared if investigated and found culpable.
He tasked the officers to check their excesses, inappropriate behaviours and warned that his administration will not condone any form of compromise or unethical behaviours, from personnel deployed to prevent oil theft and illegal bunkering.
“Some people believe that security agencies are part of oil theft in the country, but we must do what is necessary to redeem our image.
“There are indications that some of the Anti-Vandal Units in some State Commands have been found wanting, in the discharge of their duties as the Corps’ Management, has received reports of irresponsibility and connivance on the part of some of them,” he said.
He enjoined all heads of Anti-vandal Units to display a high sense of responsibility, commitment, loyalty and dedication to duty.
