The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, claimed that the organization has destroyed 200 illegal oil refineries and brought 120 suspects to justice in 2015.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, claimed that the organization has destroyed 200 illegal oil refineries and brought 120 suspects to justice in 2015.
Commandant Muhammadu explained that these actions necessitated the creation of a Special Task Force to combat “vandalism.”
In a press release provided to SaharaReporters, Mr. Muhammadu called upon the Special Task Force to work with the State-level commanders of the NSDC in an effort to stem the rise of oil-related crime. In addition to combating oil theft and illegal bunkering, the task force will also be expected to bring to justice filling stations that sell fuel at a price above the government mandated amount.
Mr. Muhammadu also noted that in addition to the 120 suspects already processed for their crimes a further 250 await their trials at various High Courts in several States. Finally, the NSDC also captured over 80 trucks containing petroleum products, as well as operational equipment were impounded.
The Commandant General, while congratulating the efforts of the Special Task Force thus far, also stressed that there was still a lot of work to be done.
“We [NSCDC] are an agency of the government created to tackle this onerous task of fighting the scourge of vandalism, illegal bunkering, illegal refinery, oil theft, and other similar crimes. There we will continue to fight these illicit acts diligently in ensuring that the nation is rid of this obnoxious activity. We will not rest until the battle is over,” Mr. Muhammadu said.
The Commandant General also noted that the operation would not have been as successful if not for the aid of the Joint Task Force, the Nigerian army, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and various other security agencies.