Oil Theft: Group Calls for Rivers NSCDC Commandant’s Redeployment

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A group, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) Nigeria has called for the redeployment of the Rivers State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Michael Ogar, over alleged frustration of anti-oil theft campaign in the state.

The group made the call in a petition addressed to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, dated April 15, 2023.

The petition was also copied to the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi and the Senate President, Ahmed Lawal.

The petition signed by the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Mr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, accused the NSCDC boss of allegedly frustrating federal government’s approved campaigns against crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and environmental management efforts in Rivers.

Fyneface, in the petition said since the Rivers NSCDC Commandant was posted to the State Command, he has been allegedly frustrating all efforts on advocacy against oil theft.

The petition which was attached with several letters sent to the Rivers State Command of NSCDC, briefed the Minister of the YEAC’s contributions to the war against pipeline vandalism and oil theft in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.

Part of the petition read: “This petition demands for the immediate redeployment of Mr. Michael Besong Ogar, NSCDC commandant from Rivers State for failing to perform his duties, abuse of office, embarrassing the NSCDC, casting the country’s image in bad light before international community by chasing foreigners from his office, continuous frustration of federal government and President Muhammadu Buhari approved campaign against crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and environmental management efforts in Rivers State.

“Since Mr. Ogar was posted to the Rivers State Command, he has been frustrating our efforts to partner with the NSCDC on this advocacy as he neither responds to letters sent to him requesting interviews nor allow us access to him and his office for official public engagement.”

It added: “He also does not grant permission to the Command’s PRO to speak to us as it has manifested on many occasions so far, and for which I am now complaining about in this petition and demanding for his redeployment for negligence of duty.

“For instance, on July 19, 2022, I sent a letter (please find a copy attached below) to the Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Ogar but till today, he has not responded to the letter therefore frustrating our advocacy efforts in the fight against oil theft in Rivers State and neglecting his duties.

“Again, on October 21, 2022, a 2-man research team from Dakar, Senegal sent a letter for me to submit to Mr. Ogar, requesting to interview him as part of their research work but he also did not reply to the letter till date.”