*says CG’s SIS success in Odagwa, Etche LGA, Rivers State worthy of commendation
A Civil Society Organization, STAND UP NIGERIA has expressed satisfaction and pass a vote of confidence on the Commandant General, Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi for his determination to bring oil theft and those involved in it to their kneels.
The group noted that there has been a great reduction in the rate of vandalism of the critical national assets and infrastructure in the country which is connected to the proactive measures put in place by the Corps.
Rising from an enlarged meeting of its leadership on Tuesday in Abuja, the national coordinator of the group, Comrade Sunny Attah said the issue of oil theft had become a pressing concern that threatens the economic stability and social well-being of Nigeria.
Attah commended the efforts of the operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps under the leadership of it’s Commandant General, Audi for effectively taking the war against oil thieves to the den of the perpetrators, noting that the action had stemmed from incidences of oil sector fraud in the country
“Criminal organisations and illicit networks are engaged in the illegal siphoning of crude oil, causing substantial revenue losses for the government and disrupting the lawful distribution of essential resources”
“It will be recalled that the Commandant General of the NSCDC last week at a fora with Chief Executives of Civil Society Organizations in Abuja warned persons vandalising critical infrastructure in the country to steer clear, saying it will not hesitate to make them bear the pains of NSCDC power”.
“Audi declared that the NSCDC is on alert and are going to go after those behind the disruption of government properties across the country or face the wrath of the law”.
“Worthy of commendation is the success recorded yesterday by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad(CG’s SIS) who embaked on intensive operational activities and discovered oil fields used for siphoning crude oil and damaged installations in Odagwa community, Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State”.
Attah commended the operatives for their gallantry and pledged to collaborate with the agency to end the menace of oil thieves in the state.
“We commend the uncompromising disposition of the NSCDC and their gallant operations that has led to so many successes recorded in recent times. We the Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria are ready to collaborate with the NSCDC to see that Nigeria is free from these criminals within and outside the country”.
Attah also called for an creased funding for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to him, more funding will enable the Corps effectively respond to the escalating issue of oil theft and its detrimental effects on national resources.
“We recognise the pivotal role that the NSCDC have been playing to prevent oil theft, with a specific focus on enhancing their capabilities we appeal to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adequately fund the NSCDC, which is primarily mandated to protect Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, to invest in advanced technology, specialised training, and modern equipment to effectively counter oil theft”.