Oil theft war: NSCDC reaffirms commitment, returns diverted petrol tanker to destination
By Amaike Ihuoma Okoronkwo, Port Harcourt
The state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant (NSCDC), Abu Tambuwal, has reaffirmed his commitment to combat all acts of economic sabotage, noting that suspects would be charged to court after thorough investigation by the command.
Tambuwal who spoke with the journalists at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt lauded the Nigerian Navy and other sister agencies for the unanimous decision to vehemently resist and combat illegal dealings in petroleum products both on lands and waterways.
He maintained that the overall cooperation of every stakeholder is very pertinent if illegal oil bunkering activities would be put to a stop.
Speaking on the successes achieved so far the command helmsman said many arrests have been made and judgement obtained in cases filed at the law court with the requisite jurisdiction.
He relayed that the Command’s antivandal squad has been further directed to increase her operational efficiency by arresting those dealing illegally in petroleum products on waterways, border areas and illegal refineries.
“I sincerely appreciate the Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni for the provisions of necessary support by deploying more personnel and security apparatus needed in pursuant of the war against oil theft in Rivers State, the antivandal squad has been ordered to carry out massive arrests and dismantle oil bunkering dump sites across the state and this we will do without compromise or prejudice.
“Let me on this note salute the relentless and dogged determination of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Wike for enhancing the operational capacity of the security agencies. Therefore, my candid advice is that all perpetrators of illegal dealings in petroleum products must engage themselves in legitimate businesses or risk being arrested and prosecuted according to the provisions of the laws of the federation.”
Commandant Tambuwal further noted that the diverted 50,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) impounded by the antivandal border patrol team has been returned to Omo Wealth Filling Station at Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State as indicated on the waybill at the point of arrest.
He said the community dwellers expressed their joy as such pragmatic step taken would prevent long queue of vehicles at the filing stations as it is being experienced currently in some states of the federation, he maintained.
