• Vows to hunt crude oil thieves, vandals in the State
The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has said a petrol tanker loaded with 50,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has been returned to its right destination The Trumpet gathered.
The tanker, which was impounded by the Antivandal Border Patrol team of the Corps, was returned to Omo Wealth Filling Station at Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State as indicated on the Waybill at the point of arrest.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the State Public Relations Officer, DSC Olufemi Ayodele, adding that the suspects would be charged to court after a thorough investigation.
According to Ayodele, the community dwellers expressed joy over the development, noting that such a pragmatic step would prevent the long queue of vehicles at the filling stations as it is being experienced currently in some states of the Federation.
Meanwhile, in a bid to eradicate the menace of oil pipeline vandalism, oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Abu Tambuwal has reaffirmed his commitment to combating all acts of economic sabotage.
Tambuwal spoke to newsmen at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt and 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.
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Speaking on the successes achieved so far, the Command helmsman said many arrests have been made and judgement obtained in cases filed at the Court.
He said he has directed the Command’s Antivandal Squad 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 (NSCDC) , 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 dumpsites 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,” Tambuwal stated.
