NSCDC RIVERS STATE COMMAND TAKES DELIVERY OF VEHICLES, SYNERGIZES WITH NAVY TO FIGHT ILLEGAL BUNKERING
BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, PORT HARCOURT
The Zonal Commander, Zone “L”, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Assistant Commandant General, James Bassey says there will be no compromise in the chase after pipeline vandals in the zone.
Assistant Commandant General Bassey gave the assurance while unveiling three vehicles from the Commandant General to NSCDC Rivers State Command, to enhance their operation capacity.
It may not be surprising that the Commandant General of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps decided to boost the morale of Rivers State Command of the Corps with logistics to enhance their operations.
The intensified efforts towards eradication of Illegal refineries and all forms of oil theft have been demanding, stretching the operational vehicles beyond limit.
For instance, in the last one week, the Command has arrested ten suspected vandals and confiscated eight trucks and three cars used for oil theft.
Unveiling the vehicles, two operations vans and one staff car, the Zone “L” Commander Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Assistant Commandant General, James Bassey, warned vandals that no stone will be left unturned in the determination to end all forms of oil theft in the zone, comprising Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States.
Assistant Commandant General Bassey noted that given the extent oil bunkering has gone in the State; there is need for available logistics to be able to fish out the vandals in their hiding places.
“Let me use this opportunity to warn miscreants in the zone to desist from engaging in illegal bunkering.”
“This zone will not tolerate any illegal bunkerer, this zone will not tolerate any one dealing in illegal refining of crude.”
“This zone will not tolerate any vandals.”
Reacting to the development, the NSCDC Rivers State Commandant, Abu Tambuwal, while promising to redouble efforts in the bid to discover and destroy bunkering sites in Rivers State, describe the gesture as a morale booster.
Commandant Tambuwal who noted that the vehicles would enhance operational capacity charged officers not to relent in their assignments.
“We are indeed happy there is a common saying that to whom much is given, much is expected.”
“With this development, we will be on ground and the vandals, bunkerers will be on the run.”
“We will pursue them to ensure that they leave their activities.”
The NSCDC Rivers State Commandant who maintained that there is strong synergy among security operatives in the fight against illegal oil activities both at the maritime and land, solicited corporation from the residents in providing timely and useful information about bunkering sites in their communities.
Earlier on, the Zonal Commander alongside the State Commandant hosted the Commandant, Nigerian Naval College Onne, Commodore Pakiribo Anabraba and Commandant Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Onne, Commodore Abubakar Umar, who came on a courtesy visit to the command.
Speaking during the visit, the Navy Commodores acknowledged the existing synergy between NSCDC and the Nigerian Navy which entails handing over of confiscated exhibits and arrested vandals to NSCDC for prosecution and gave assurance that the collaboration would be sustained.
The Naval officers, who recently took over the reins of affairs at the training school, appreciated the Commandant General Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Abubarkar Audi mni, for ensuring regular training for NSCDC personnel to enhance professionalism within the corps.
On their parts, both the Zonal Commander, Zone “L,” Assistant Commandant General, James Bassey and the State Commandant, Abu Tambuwal reiterated commitment towards the eradication of illegal oil deals within the zone and protection of critical national assets as enshrined in the mandate of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
