NSCDC Denies Aiding Illegal Oil Bunkering in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has denied the allegation that its officials are aiding illegal oil bunkering in the state.

The state Commandant of NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, stated this yesterday while listing the achievements of the Command since his assumption in office.

Igwebueze reiterated the commitment of the Command to curtailing the menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, stressing that any officer caught aiding illegal oil bunkering activities in the state would be decisively dealt with.

Reading the riot act to officers serving in the Anti-vandal Unit, Marine Unit, Component Commanders, and general duty officers, the commandant stressed that the Commandant-General of the corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has zero tolerance for any act that would denigrate or degrade the corporate image of the NSCDC across the country.

He emphasised on the need to imbibe professionalism, discipline, and implicit compliance with the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and ethical values.

According to him, “Upon my assumption of duty, you were adequately briefed that my deployment in Rivers State is to effectively prosecute the core mandate and nothing else.

“We will not hesitate to show you the way out if you are caught conniving with economic saboteurs who for their selfish reasons have refused to cease fire in their illegal dealings in petroleum products.

“Lately, the authority of the Command had received allegations that some security agencies were engaging in the escort of bunkered badges and tankers, collection of tolls, patrol with unmarked vehicles and fibre boats in the waterways.

“Let me sound a note of warning to any operative with such intentions that as soon as we receive your report, you will be officially charged and dismissed according to the extant laws guiding the Corps.”

The NSCDC commandant further explained that within the three months of his assumption of duty, the Command made 105 arrests ranging from “illegal dealings in petroleum products, criminal conspiracy to aid the operation of illegal oil bunkering activities, illegal mining, and dredging, advance fee fraud, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) among others.”

Igwebueze affirmed that the Command under his watch is fully ready to partner reputable stakeholders in the government, civil society organisation, religious leaders, community youths and other sister security agencies in order to rid the state of the menace of oil theft and its negative effects on the environment.