By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) –The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) says it has destroyed over 250 illegal refineries and arrested over 118 suspected vandals within the last one year in its bid to secure lives, properties and government infrastructures in the country.
A statement by NSCDC spokesperson, Emmanuel Okeh, explained that the achievement was made within one year, from July 2015 to date, under the leadership of the NSCDC incumbent Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu.
According to the statement, intelligence report and pro-activeness of the Corps Anti-Vandal squad in the Niger-Delta area and other oil communities led to the clampdown on the illegal activities and arrest of the suspects.
While marking his one year in office, NSCDC Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, said the Corps in its relentless effort has been partnering with NNPC in ensuring adequate distribution of petroleum products to all filling stations across the country as well as checkmating the activities of marketers who specializes on product diversion.
He noted that, the establishment of the Command and Control Centre have assisted the Corps in monitoring all the pipelines in the Niger Delta area, covering the six oil producing states – Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Cross River, operating 24 hours every day.
“The introduction of the Centre led to the establishment of Nigeria Security Energy Command (NISEC) for training of personnel by starter point for an Italian company through the office of the National Security Adviser for the purpose of effective deployment to areas that are prone to vandalism.
“The Corps also partners with the youths of the communities trained by NISEC in the creeks and the Riverine areas.”
While reiterating NSCDC’s commitment in reducing vandalism to its barest minimum, NSCDC Commandant pointed out that, the outfit would continue with its sensitization programs to educate community leaders and their subjects on the dangers of vandalism.
He however urged those who are engage in such activities to desist from it, as it amounts to the economic sabotage.
