Death of 4 Personnel: NSCDC CG Warn Officers against Compromise in Oil Theft

…Uniport honours Audi, forms solidarity in defence of national asset

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Ahmed Audi has warned  officers and men of Rivers State Command of the Corps against compromise in the course of fighting against oil theft and illegal refining activities in the state.

Audi made the call during a working visit to Rivers, to condole with the Command and families of the four Officers who lost their lives while on official duty at Alakiri, Degema local government area of the state. 

Speaking during the visit, the NSCDC CG urged the Officers on the need to be strong and courageous in the fight against vandalism of oil pipelines and illegal dealings in petroleum products in the State. 

He disclosed that the security agency is in collaboration with other sisters agencies to bring the perpetrators of the evil act to book.

He said: “Let me first of all condole with you as a Command and the families of our gallant men who lost their lives some few days ago while on official duty. This is part of the hazards of the job and we pray that God would grant the families the fortitude to hear the loss. 

“I bring to you the message of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who has asked me to tell you that the blood of these gallant men will not be a waste. All hands are on deck as the Corps would contact their next of kin to process necessary benefits in order to serve as a succor to the families. 

I will not reveal to the public our operational strategies in order to bring the perpetrators to book but definitely we are in collaboration with sister security agencies and I assure you that justice will be served “. 

Also in his address, Audi lauded President Bola Tinubu for his unflinching support in enhancing the capacity and operational efficiency of the NSCDC through the provision of Gun Boats and different welfare packages.

He noted that “the appointment of the present Minister of Interior is a tremendous blessing to the Corps because the Interior Minister is a man who has great passion for the Four Agencies under his watch”

The CG further charged all Personnel to continue to put in their best in utmost loyalty, dedication and discipline even as they serve the nation. 

In his reaction on the numerous challenges faced by the Corps, Audi reaffirms the commitment of his administration to overcoming those challenges, especially those that were inherited and added that the Corps has made a head way by clearing all the backlogs of promotion and arrears paid.

He said henceforth, the promotion of officers to a new rank would be based on merit and performances, stating that promotion stagnation is now a thing of the past. 

Speaking on the reviewing of salaries and allowances, Audi said efforts are on top gear by the government through the Minister of Interior to ensure that the overall welfare of the NSCDC Personnel are considered and as soon as necessary procedures are concluded the payments would be made. 

The NSCDC Commandant General also charged the new recruits on training to remain focused, fit and agile as he has remained undeterred and dedicated to his duties having served the Corps for 27 years. 

In another development, Professor of Political History and Development Studies at the Prince Audi Abubakar University, Anyigba, Patrick Ukase, has charged Nigerians to prioritise the protection of national assets in solidarity with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in carrying out its mandate for the development of the country.

The Don gave the charge while delivering a lecture in honour of the Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr Audi Abubakar, at the CBN Centre of Excellence, University of Port Harcourt (Uniport), Rivers state, with the theme; “Prioritising the Role of the Masses in the Protection of Public Assets and National Infrastructure Towards Sustaining the Vision of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps in Nigeria’s Security Architecture.”

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Uniport and the Chief Host of the Lecture, Prof Owunari Georgewill, emphasised the commitment and readiness of the University to sustain sensitisation and protection of national assets in line with the mandate of the NSCDC.

Prof Georgewill also thanked the Commandant General for accepting the honor and invitation of the university for the well-deserved recognition and honor. Dr. Audi was represented by Assistant Commandant General, South-south Region, and John Bassey.