In response to the President’s directive to eradicate economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, and oil thieves from the nation’s oil sector, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has issued a strong order to the Commandants of the Niger Delta States. Their task is to ensure strict compliance with this directive.
Summoning the State Commandants to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, the CG has instructed them to promptly revitalize their Anti-vandalism units which aims to curb oil theft and the destruction of vital national assets.
The CG emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared an uncompromising stance against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other illicit activities involving petroleum products. Consequently, anyone found assisting or collaborating with economic saboteurs will face severe legal consequences.
“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 sectors from vandalism and prevent illegal bunkerers from destroying our oil installations, infrastructure and earnings” the CG stressed.
Dr. Audi ordered the State Commandants to ensure round-the-clock surveillance of oil facilities nationwide, collaborate with host communities, and gather reliable information and intelligence to effectively combat the threat.
He underscored the importance of securely preserving all evidence, maintaining the security of exhibit centers, and strictly adhering to the Corps’ code of ethics and standard operating procedures.
The head of the Corps also issued a stern warning that his administration would not tolerate any compromises or unethical behavior from any command or personnel. He vowed to hold each State Commandant responsible for incidents of oil theft, acts of indiscipline, and the breakdown of law and order within their respective areas of jurisdiction.
“As the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, there is a need to be determined and reslient in the fight against crude oil theft.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already changing the narrative for good and we cannot afford to let the President and the entire nation down, the CG assured.
Dr Audi charged the personnel on synergy and collaboration with other security agencies as well as critical stakeholders to reduce crude oil theft to its barest minimum.