Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made a statement Tuesday 30 August 2022 at the commissioning of eight gunboats deployed at Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, to be used by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
“Crude oil thieves not only deny the country much-needed income, but also sell stolen goods at discounts well below market value. They have thus plagued Nigeria with the double threat of lost revenue and declining product values.
“GCFR President Muhammadu Buhari has given us the resources and marching orders to bring war. We are taking appropriate steps to equip the NSCDC, the main agency for the protection of assets and infrastructure.
“According to recent estimates, billions of dollars have been lost to oil thieves and vandals. There is no denying that we are determined to stop the threat of oil theft, which is needlessly draining our economy and reducing government revenues. This unhealthy trend has also led to pollution and other health hazards, with raw and refined products leaking into the environment through burst pipes. No responsible government should allow this reckless robbery by a small group of unpatriotic and criminally minded individuals who put their personal interests above all other considerations.
NSCDC Commander Abubakar Audi (MNI) has expressed the Corps’ commitment to end pipeline sabotage and the looting of the country’s resources.
“To the Federal Government and to the good people of this great country, the Legion is more determined than ever and is committed to the fight against oil theft and illegal oil resupply, and therefore use it wisely. “These resources are meant to bring war to the doorstep of these economic robbers and saboteurs.”
“I have directed the continued strengthening of effective synergies with the military, relevant sister agencies, and other stakeholders in our stated commitment to stem the ugly trend,” said the commander.
Speaking at the event was the garrison commander of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General. Tirawan said the war has the assurances of the Nigerian military and noted that while strengthening cooperation between the military and the NSCDC, it will continue to support the fight against illegal bunkering of crude oil products in Nigeria.
Police Chief, Rivers State Command, Eboka Frank. Sector Commander, FRSC, Umar Salisu. Commander, River State Command, NDLEA, Ahmed Mamnda; members of other security organizations and senior officers of his NSCDC.