Civil Defence personnel colluding with oil thieves: Commandant-General

Ahmed Audi, the commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), cast a damning on verdict on some operatives of the Corps deployed to secure oil assets. He said many of them have been found to be colluding with oil thieves.

During a strategic meeting with state commandants and Anti-vandal Squad leaders at NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, Mr Audi decried personnel’s continuous involvement in the illegal acts.

“The corps will use its hammer on any personnel no matter his or her position that is involved in oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

“If you have the intent that you joined the corps to make money by collaborating with oil thieves and illegal bunkers, we urge you to resign immediately because this corps is not for you,” he said.

Mr Audi said the corps had instituted a panel of inquiry on the situation.

“The corps has started a discreet investigation on the activities of its anti-vandal squad,” he said.

He said the meeting aimed to unveil the latest policy approved by the Ministry of Interior to checkmate the behaviour of personnel in charge of oil pipelines and critical assets, among others.

The NSCDC boss called on the anti-vandal squad leaders to reposition the unit for better performances, commitment, loyalty and dedication to duty.

Over 200 oil theft suspects have been arrested within the year while the Corps have impounded over 500 trucks and clamped down on over 50 illegal refineries.

The NSCDC boss also said that the corps was determined to continue to stop and arrest members of the public involved in oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

He reiterated that the Corps Acts 2003, as amended in 2007, indicated that NSCDC is to protect government structure as his administration is committed to leaving up to expectations.

He appreciated the federal government for making available funds for procuring machinery to combat criminals but asked for more.

Mr Audi called for closer collaboration with sister agencies to ensure Nigeria’s critical infrastructure and assets are adequately secured.

(NAN)