NSCDC C-G orders overhaul of anti-vandal units in Niger Delta

Dr Ahmed Audi, Commandant General (C-G), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has ordered Commandants in Niger Delta to overhaul their anti-vandal units.

A statement by Mr Olusola Odumosu, Director, Public Relations of the corps in Abuja on Friday, said that the C-G gave the order when he summoned state commandants in the region to the NSCDC Headquarters.

“This meeting became necessary to convey President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the absolute need to end all sharp practices in the nation’s oil sector.

“Oil remains the mainstay of our economy, you must therefore rejig your Anti-vandal Units to end the problem of oil theft in compliance with Federal Government’s directives.

“We have a duty to protect our oil and gas sector from vandals and prevent illegal bunkerers from destroying our oil installations, infrastructure and earnings,” he said.

Audi therefore directed the commandants to ensure full compliance as anyone found aiding and abetting economic saboteurs would face the full wrath of the law.

The C-G further charged them to maintain 24-hour surveillance on oil facilities in their areas of responsibility.

Audi said that they should work with host communities in gathering efficient, credible information and intelligence to checkmate the menace.

“As the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, there is the need to be determined and resilient in this fight against crude oil theft,” he added.

Audi further directed the commandants to safeguard all exhibits and adhere strictly to the code of ethics and Standard Operating Procedure of the corps.

He warned to deal decisively with any form of compromise or unethical conduct by any command or personnel.

The C-G vowed to hold state commandants accountable for oil theft, acts of indiscipline, and breakdown of law and order in their domains.

“The President is already changing the narrative for good, and we cannot afford to let the President and the entire nation down,” he said.

Audi also charged all personnel on synergy with other security agencies and critical stakeholders to bring down crude oil theft to barest minimum.