By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it arrested 501 alleged suspects of pipeline vandalism and destroyed 71 illegal refineries between January to August.
Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of 93 operational vehicles for the Corps by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the NSCDC boss, Ahmed Audi, said his agency will be ruthless against oil thieves.
He said the specialized operational vehicles will be used by the Corps to combat all potential threats to national security.
Audi said the commissioned vehicles are to be deployed to commands and the Headquarters, alongside designated special duties.
He warned that any personnel found to compromise national security, will face the law.
Speaking further, the CG said, We have more equipment on the way to aid our operation. The vehicles are fortified and provide information.
“We assure Nigerians that we are serious and committed to combating oil thieves. We want oil thieves to relocate because we are going after them.
“Henceforth, you will see a scientific approach in the fight against insecurity. We are also collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure success.”
On his part, Aregbesola charged the Corps to be intolerant of anything that poses to threaten the safety and peace of all Nigerians.
He said that the acquisition of the operational vehicles was a proactive step to addressing internal insecurity in the country.
“Utilise and maintain the vehicles to serve their purpose and ensure to train personnel to operate the vehicles,” he said.
According to him, “there are challenges of vandalism of critical asset, oil theft, banditry, insurgence amongst others that must be eliminated.”
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