Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi has disbanded the anti-vandal unit of Rivers State Command following allegation that the unit was aiding and abetting of vandals and illegal bunkers to carry out their nefarious activities.
This was revealed in a statement by the spokesman of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu yesterday.
As indicated in the statement, the commandant-general said he received with shock and dismay the allegations levelled against the anti vandal unit of the command by Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike that the unit aiding and abetting vandals and illegal bunkers to carry out criminal activities.
He said: “Worried by this disappointing development, the CG has ordered the suspension of head of the anti vandal team and the disbandment of the unit with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an independent enquiry set up to look into the weighty allegations levelled against the unit.”
He said the extant rules and regulations guiding the NSCDC operations and the general ethics of the service requires complete display of total discipline, integrity, incorruptibility, transparency and accountability on the part of every Corps personnel, hence, the reason for this immediate action.
Audi further directed the acting DCG in charge of investigation and intelligence to summon all the personnel involved to the National Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation to determine the level of involvement and/or culpability with a view to dispensing justice appropriately.
He decried the allegations as not being in tandem with his vision for the Corps, stressing that he will not condone any criminal act or act of compromise by any personnel.
He emphasised that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegation and roles played by the individuals involved and whoever is found guilty would face necessary disciplinary actions and punishment.
He, however, assured Wike of getting to the root of the matter without delay, promising more synergy with the state government towards discharging more effective service delivery to the good people of Rivers state.
He reiterated further that his administration “has come with a renewed vigour to reposition the service in line with global best practices and will not condone any act of sabotage by any personnel no matter how highly or lowly placed.
“The swift action taken by me is to close any identified gaps in our operations and service to the nation. I will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, compromise or sabotage under any guise.
“Our founding fathers have worked so hard to earn good name for the service as a noble organization. I will not allow a few bad eggs to spoil our name, image, our credibility and integrity.
“We will investigate those fingered in the allegations and deal decisively with them if found guilty to serve as a deterrent to others,” the commandant-general explained.
Audi emphasised that as the lead agency in the protection of critical national asset and infrastructure, the corps management would beam more searchlight into that area by reorganising and reconstituting the anti vandal unit with a view to making it more responsive, transparent and accountable to Nigerians.
He said: “Our moral principles are not negotiable. We are going to rejig the unit and fish out those spoiling the name of the Corps. My fight against vandals, illegal oil bunkers and those stealing our collective wealth and sabotaging our economy is unflinching.
“We will redoubled our efforts to whittle down this act of sabotage and bring to justice anyone not in tune with our vision and mission for the service,” Audi explained.
