Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps says it arrested 262 suspected oil thieves in 2022, while securing convictions for 38 suspects.
NSCDC Commandant in Rivers State, Michael Ogar, assured that the Corps remains unwavering to the protection of oil pipelines, telecommunication equipments, electrical power installations, schools, churches, all government buildings, among others.
While outlining the achievements of the Command for the year 2022, Ogar maintained that the Command has not relented in safeguarding of all critical national assets and infrastructure, disaster management and rescuing of victims during emergencies, training, supervision, monitoring and issuance of operating licence to private guard companies.
Ogar disclosed that the Rivers State Command has deployed 1725 tactical operatives on both land and marine to safeguard all critical national assets and infrastructure in the State, as well as to combat cultism and foiling kidnap attempts, arrests and prosecution of vandals and suspects for illegal dealings in petroleum products amongst others.
“As we round up the year it behoves the Command to retrospect and outline the various achievements and successes recorded so far. This would enable the public to access and evaluate our performance knowing fully well that there is always room for improvement.
“From the commencement of the year till date the Command has an estimate of 148 arrests with 262 Suspects apprehended for oil theft, illegal dealings in petroleum products, vandalism of oil pipelines and electrical power installations, advance free fraud, cultism and other offences against the law.
“There were also 38 convicts and 21 convictions secured at the court of competent jurisdiction in the State. The Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit also made remarkable success by settling 54 cases through mediations between aggrieved parties and suspects in civil related matters.
“It is pertinent to reiterate our unwavering commitment to protection of oil pipelines, telecommunication equipments, electrical power installations, schools, churches, all government buildings, INEC offices and materials most especially as criminal minded persons are noted for taking advantage of festive seasons to carry out their nefarious activities.”
The Commandant further disclosed that the Rivers State Command will continue to maintain stronger synergy with all security agencies in the State to forestall any criminal tendencies before during and after this yuletide season.
“You will agree with me that illegal oil bunkering activities has reduced drastically to almost 90percrnt as a result of the synergy between the security agencies in Rivers State. As we celebrate this yuletide season; parents and guardians are advised to restrict their wards from engaging in thuggery, vandalism, rape, stealing and other vices as anyone caught would definitely have their time in court.”
Follow us on twitter
