The dissolution and subsequent reconstitution of the unit nationwide was necessary to reposition the corps.
The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has commended State Commandants across the federation for the timely reconstitution of new anti-vandal squad to wage war against vandals and oil thieves.
The NSCDC had on September 6 dissolved all anti-vandal teams nationwide following a story by SaharaReporters exposing extortion of the members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) by personnel.
NSCDC spokesperson, Olusola Odumosu in a statement on Friday quoted Audi as saying the dissolution and subsequent reconstitution of the unit nationwide was necessary to reposition the corps for effective implementation of its statutory mandate of safeguarding national assets especially petroleum pipelines and other oil installations.
He added that the action was also aimed at putting a stop to all forms of sabotage in the oil sector through arrests and diligent prosecution of oil thieves, their sponsors and all those dealing illegally in Petroleum products.
“The reconstitution of the reformed Anti-vandal Unit with fresh bloods who has new zeal for success is central and germane to our Core mandates. The nation is losing a lot of revenues to illegal oil merchants and this has a debilitating effect on the economy,” the statement read.
"You have carried out the Minister of Interior's directive to reconstitute the Corps' Anti-vandal unit nationwide without delay. I commend your swift and timely compliance which has closed all perceived gaps and loopholes that may have been created in the fight against theft and illegal oil bunkering across board.
"I therefore charge you to remain firm, focused and fierce with the enemies of the nation who has vowed to continue sabotaging our economy.”
The NSCDC boss also gave a marching order to state commandants to deploy all machineries both on land and in the waterways to carry out massive arrests and possible prosecution of oil thieves.
"I have distributed the newly acquired gunboats to you for the purpose of waging war against the enemies of our commonwealth.
"There is no excuse for failure anymore, I want to see you put a stop to revenue loss through illegal oil activities in the nation,” Audi said.