NSCDC STRENGTHEN TIES WITH ADVOCACY CENTER RELEASES 10-MONTH SCORE CARD
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Rivers State Command, Commandant Michael Besong Ogar FCAI has reiterated the command commitment to partnering with Non-governmental Organization, Civil Society Organization, Traditional Institutions amongst others who he referred to as partners in progress in the fight against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering activities and Vandalism in the State.
Commandant Ogar while hosting the Executive Director of the Youth Environmental Advocacy Center, (YEAC-NIGERIA & United Kingdom) noted that his office is open 24-hours to receive Information that would enhance the arrests of suspects dealing illegally in petroleum products; he further retreated the Command commitment to steming down the spate of crime and criminalities in the State without compromise.
“Let me officially welcome you to my office; meanwhile, this is also your office because as a concern citizen and and a strong advocate against oil theft and as an environmentalist we have a lot to do together. Our strong synergy will definitely rid the nation of economic saboteurs and savage Rivers State from all forms of health hazards emanating from Aquatic Pollution, Air Pollution and most especially environmental degradation”.
“Within my 10months of assumption of office as the 13th Substantive State Commandant of NSCDC Rivers State Command we have stood very firm in the fight against illegal dealings in petroleum products, all our operatives on land and the marine signed an oath of allegiance to refrain from connivance or aiding and abetting oil bunkering activities”.
“Frankly speaking we have made meaningful progress and achievements through our campaign against crude oil theft, about 186 arrests were made within 10months which involved 408 suspects; we were able to secure 21 Convictions at the Federal High Court with 41 convicts serving jail term while over 42 forfeitures have been made and based on the passing into law of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 by the National Assembly; all proceeds from auction are paid into the Agency POCA account”..
“The Rivers State Commandant who later spoke with the foreign journalist from Seoul, South Korea lauded the Federal Government of Nigeria for the unflinching support in the provision of necessary logistics that has enhanced the Corps in Anti-vandalism and the fight against oil theft across the nation. He further advised those living large on the proceeds from their illegal dealings in petroleum products to look for other meaningful and rewarding businesses or be ready to face the full wrath of the law”.
Speaking with utmost excitement for the renewed synergy with the Command, the Executive Director, Youth Environmental Advocacy Center, Fyneface Dumnamene expressed his readiness to work with the NSCDC inorder to fight illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
He commended the State Commandant for the numerous achievements and promise to collaborate with the Command through the Advocacy Center; noting that the NSCDC as the lead agency in Safeguarding oil pipelines and other critical national assets and Infrastructures in the nation must continue to work with both local and foreign bodies to actualize their statutory mandate.
