The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has threatened to take action against any of its officers who engage in oil bunkering activities
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, who stated this in Port Harcourt, warned officers serving in the anti-vandal, marine units, the component commanders, and general duty officers to shun oil bunkering in line with the corps resolve to check the menace.
Igwebueze urged them to uphold professionalism, discipline and and the corps ethical values, adding that the Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, frowns at act that would portray NSCDC in bad light.
He said that the command under his watch within three months has arrested 105 suspects for illegal dealings on petroleum products, and criminal conspiracy to aid the operation of illegal oil bunkering activities.
He added that the command has also arrested persons engaging in illegal mining, and dredging, advance fee fraud, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
Igwebueze said: “Upon my assumption of duty you were adequately briefed that my deployment to Rivers State is to effectively prosecute the Core mandate and nothing else.
“We will not hesitate to show you the way out if you are caught conniving with economic saboteurs who for their selfish reasons have refused to cease fire in their illegal dealings in petroleum products.
“Lately the authority of the Command had received allegations that some security agencies were engaging in the escort of bunkered badges and tankers, collection of tolls, patrol with unmarked vehicles and fibre boats via the waterways.
“Let me sound a note of warning to any personnel with such intentions that as soon as we receive your report, you will be officially charged and dismissed according to the extant laws guiding the Corps.”
Igwebueze appealed to the public to volunteer credible and actionable Intelligence, even as he sought collaboration with civil society organization, religious leaders, youth leadership and governments.
