Tag: NSCDC

The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Olusola Odumosu, has ordered the deployment of 5,112 personnel to beef up security in the FCT, before and during the Sallah celebration.

He said the deployment would cover all the nooks and crannies of the six area councils as well as the city centre, especially sensitive locations, soft targets, black spots, and flash points within the FCT.

He added that areas prone to criminal activities would be strictly monitored to ensure that residents enjoy a peaceful holiday throughout the season.

He warned miscreants, vandals, and other mischief makers to keep off Critical National Assets and Infrastructure as the Corps would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone caught or found culpable.

Odumosu also warned against burning tyres on the road as it affects the integrity of the road and therefore constitutes an act of vandalism, asserting that anyone caught in such an act would be made to face the law.

“The FCT administration has spent so much to provide good roads and other basic infrastructure for residents of the FCT, we will therefore not tolerate any act that will sabotage the effort of government” Odumosu warned.

The FCT Commandant,  in a statement by his public relations officer,  Samuel Idoko, charged Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure adequate security coverage in all places of interest.

“The Corps is committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents and the protection of Critical National Assets in the FCT.

Read Also: NSCDC bursts illegal refineries at Rivers cemeteries

“You are to ensure 24-hour protection of all these infrastructures and the holidaymakers in the city. We must show commitment in the discharge of our duties as law enforcers.

“However, there is no room for carelessness or overzealousness while carrying out your duties and the operational order must be followed to ensure professionalism on your part,” he said.

Amongst those deployed are special forces such as the Armed Squad, Intelligence and undercover officers, Counter Terrorism Unit, Female Strike Force, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), and Agro Rangers to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

Odumosu assured residents of FCT that the Command will join other sister agencies to provide security at prayer grounds all over the FCT, at motor parks, recreational centres, and other places of interest during the period.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State Command has disrupted the activities of economic saboteurs illegally refining crude oil at cemeteries in the Abalama and Oproama communities of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Speaking during a four-hour operational tour along the waterway with the Marine Antivandal Squad, Command Public Relations Officer SP Olufemi Ayodele stated that the site was uncovered through credible and sustained intelligence efforts.

He said: “Recall that the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, gave a marching order to all formations in the Niger Delta to step up their Intelligence and Operational efficiency.

“Acting on this directive the Rivers State Commandant Basil Igwebueze deployed the Marine Antivadal Squad to the crime scene where many boats filled with crude oil and refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were sighted.

Read Also: NSCDC arrests two suspected streetlight cable vandals in Kano

“This is the Abalama community and behind us is the Oproama community as well where cemeteries were converted to illegal bunkering sites. Upon our arrival, the suspects took to their heels knowing the squad had superior firepower.

“The NSCDC as an environmentally friendly agency outrightly condemns all acts of environmental pollution, degradation of the aquatic life, and economic sabotage.

“We have contacted some good people in the two communities and they are cooperating with us so that the perpetrators would be apprehended in due course. However, the quantities in litres of the locally refined AGO cannot be ascertained”.

He warned against the activities of vandals and illegal bunkers in the state stating that the fight against oil theft was a relentless war and suspects arrested with their sponsors would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

…arrest 12 suspected pipeline vandals

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Abia State Command, in collaboration with the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), has arrested 12 suspected pipeline vandals in Obiakpo Obuzo, Asa in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.

The arrest of the suspects was made possible due to credible intelligence.

The NSCDC said: “Following credible intelligence, NSCDC Abia Command, in line with its mandate and the directives of the Commandant General, Associate Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in operating illegal refineries in the state.”

The Nation reports that the raid conducted by CG’s SIS uncovered a vast network of illegal refineries cleverly hidden in the forest of Obiakpo Obuzo Asa community, with large quantities of crude oil suspected to be tapped from a vandalized nearby pipeline.

Read Also: NSCDC calls for the regulation of Pantaker markets in Abuja to curb theft, vandalism

In addition, large quantities of petroleum products in various stages of processing were seized during the operation.

The 12 suspects were apprehended at the scene of the illegal activity.

It was gathered that further investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this criminal enterprise, which poses a serious threat to the nation’s economy.

The state commandant, NSCDC Usman Alfadarai, however, reaffirmed the commitment of the corps to rooting out criminal elements from Abia state and beyond.

He warned all criminal elements operating within the state to desist from illegal activities or face the full wrath of the law.

The Commandant also called upon the public to collaborate with NSCDC by providing credible intelligence that will help in apprehending criminals.

The commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has called for the regulation of Pantaker markets in the FCT.

This is in response to the ongoing theft and vandalization of government infrastructures in Abuja and its surroundings. Odumosu emphasized the need to regulate these markets because stolen infrastructures often end up there and are readily bought.

Intelligence reports have revealed that there is a significant market for damaged and vandalized government infrastructures, contributing to criminal activities in the FCT.

Odumosu made the remarks while addressing personnel of the Command during the Monday muster parade at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters.

He stated that the FCT administration needed to regulate the Pantaker markets in the territory. 

He said intelligence gathered revealed that most vandalized items end up in Pantaker markets for sale.

“With the proliferation of pantaker markets all over the city and the suburbs, criminals have ready markets to sell vandalized metals, iron, aluminum, armoured cables, scraps, and other stolen items which had increased the spate of vandalism of public properties in the FCT.

“There is a need to address pressing concerns related to the sale and purchase of second-hand goods in pantaker markets which currently lacks comprehensive and diligent oversight.

“Regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of compliance with government policy will help curb to a reasonable extent the cases of vandalism of infrastructure in the territory,” the FCT Commandant said.

Read Also: NSCDC operatives arrest three oil thieves in Rivers

According to him, proper regulation will not only help to curb the excesses of criminally minded dealers who receive items from vandals of public facilities, but it will also foster economic stability by ensuring that only legitimate activities and authentic products are bought or sold in the market.

“Unregulated markets for used items pose inherent risks to consumers and undermine the integrity of its commercial operations.

“It is imperative that we establish clear rules and guidelines to protect the properties of individuals and that of the government.”

“Proper regulation has the potential to enhance marketplace accountability, and will help security agencies in identifying and bringing criminals who engage in acts of vandalism and theft to book,” Odumosu said.

He added that the recent completion of projects and the successful commissioning of various infrastructure by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike calls for improved service and a renewal of strategy against destruction of government property.

“It is therefore our collective responsibility as a Command to ensure the protection of these infrastructures which is a fulfilment of the ‘renewed hope’ promise of this current administration,” he said.

He charged his officers and men to redouble their efforts in the protection of critical infrastructure in the territory.

Odumosu warned that anyone caught attempting to sell vandalized or stolen items in these markets would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested three suspected oil thieves in Rivers state and destroyed large dug-out reservoirs with 100,000 litres capacity for illegally refined crude oil.

The deputy commandant of the Corps in charge of the Intelligence Squad, Commandant Appolos Dandaura, disclosed this while providing updates on the activities of oil thieves, vandals, and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region.

He told journalists that the three suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal bunkering activities at Nembe/Odagwa Creek in Etche local government area of Rivers state.

According to Appolos, the suspects were between the ages of 30 and 42 years.

Read Also: BREAKING: Rivers govt denies judgment declaring Amaewhule-led lawmakers as PDP members

He said: “Acting on the Commandant General directive, we have relentlessly intensified efforts in combating the menace of Crude oil theft in the Niger Delta which led to the arrest of Mr Friday Faith (M) 30years who hails from Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Progress Apogi (M) aged 35 years an indigene of Ukwuani in Delta State and Mr Richard Okoro (M) 42years who hails from Ohaukwu in Ebonyi State.

“Upon sighting our operatives some of the suspects abandoned the illegal bunkering site and took to their heels manoeuvring through the creek. However, the arrested three suspects are currently assisting us with the necessary information, and after a thorough investigation; they will be charged to Court.

“While carrying out the operations the following items were sighted as exhibits: 1 large dugout reservoir used for storing siphoned crude oil from a Multinational oil well manifold, several sizes of rubber hoses used for pumping crude, and many metallic galvanized pipes, calibrated rubber surface tanks, several other surface reservoirs, Buckets, Kegs, funnels used for carrying out their illegal bunkering activities.”

Crude oil vandals in different parts of the country have over the years caused huge setbacks to the economy following their nefarious activities. They vandalise oil installations, steal crude oil and consequently deny the country the revenue needed to develop the nation and its people.

But the  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in a document said it has taken the battle to the hoodlums’  doorsteps, making the crime unattractive to others.

 From foiling the criminals’ attempts at vandalising oil pipelines, arresting suspects and successfully prosecuting many of them, the Corps, it was learnt has helped in no small measure to nip the menace of crude oil theft and other crimes in the bud.

Between May 2023 and May 2024 to be specific,   the NSCDC said it arrested 2,321 suspects for various crimes ranging from crude oil theft and other related offences.

“2,093 suspects were investigated,   104 are undergoing prosecution, 56 convictions secured and 68 are under investigation,” the Corps said.

This year, 25th March to be specific, statistics of the Corps’ onslaught against vandals made available to newsmen showed the NSCDC destroyed six illegal refineries with about five hundred thousand (500,000) litres of illegally sourced crude oil, arrested of five suspects, and confiscated locally fabricated ovens, at Umuajuloke/Umuedeokwara Community, Odagwa, Etche LGA, Rivers State.

Three days after the above arrest, the NSCDC nabbed one suspect for the destruction of one long pour-put boat containing over 20,000 litres of suspected illegally refined and adulterated ago, destruction of several surface plastic tanks, drums and other galvanized pipes/hoses at Ubeaku Waterside, Ukwa East Lga, Abia State.

The success was followed by the discovery of the illegal bunkering site and the construction site of two large locally fabricated pour-put boats for conveying suspected bunkering products, the unravelling of an illegally refined ago depot, and the destruction of over 9,000 litres of suspected illegally refined ago at Inhandu/Ikwuriator Riverside in Inhandu Community Of Ukwa East LGA in Abia State, on 29th March 2024.

Read Also: NSCDC operatives arrest nine oil thieves, dismantle bunkering sites

In another operation, the NSCDC  said it discovered several illegally tapped pipes to oil trunk lines for crude oil theft, and the destruction of a large expanse of illegal refinery sites where suspected illegally refined ago was being cooked and facilitated the destruction of over 95,000 litres of illegally refined ago inside locally fabricated storage reservoirs.

“ We also destroyed large quantities of stolen and syphoned crude oil and other materials, at Otulu community, in Egbema West, of Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State. This took place on  2nd April 2024,” the Corps said.

Another discovery of illegal tapping points and syphoning of petroleum products, it further said was made at  Obiafu-Obrikom gas pipeline, near Omuku Town, Ob-ob community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Lga (Onelga), Rivers State on Wednesday 3rd April 2024,” the statistics said adding that a “discovery of illegal refinery and tapping point at a wellhead, connected and diverted to an illegal refinery (cooking site) through the use of galvanized pipes mounted for diversion of crude oil from oil wellhead and destruction of large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined ago was made at Adobi forest, Odagwa Community, Etche LGA, Rivers State at on Friday, 5th April 2024.”

 The document further revealed the discovery of an illegal refinery site and destruction of local cooking pots/ovens, being used for illegal refining of syphoned crude oil, diverted from well-heads through the use of galvanized pipes and destruction of large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined ago, at Nembe/Akwa Forest, Etche LGA, Rivers State, on Monday, 6th May, 2024 by the CG’s SIS.

  Just last month, Friday, 17th May to be specific, the Corps said it discovered three illegal refineries, the destruction of very large local cooking ovens, the arrest of nine suspects, and recovery of different items used in the illegal refining of stolen crude oil, inside Omumma/Owaza bordering forest of Rivers and Abia states riverside, around the Imo River III Oil and Gas Field, Owaza, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.

 Continuing, the Corps said it arrested a “suspect and sealed of a filling station used as a storage base for illegally refined ago and impounds over three thousand (3,000) litres of suspected adulterated petroleum product in Onne, Rivers State, on the 1st of June, 2023, at about 1400hrs.

 “On 6th  June 2023 the corps arrested two suspects, confiscated four peddler trucks and over 20,200 litres of suspected illegally refined and adulterated ago, around kilometre 1, Aba-Port-Harcourt Expressway, opposite living faith church, aba, and sealed off another illegal oil dump yard and confiscated over 13,000 liters of suspected adulterated ago, located behind Neproue filling station at kilometre 3, Aba-Enugu Expressway, Umuaduru area of Aba, Abia State respectively, used as a storage base for adulteration and illegally refined ago.

“Another arrest of ten suspects, confiscation of a truck (tipper) loaded with large quantities of petroleum products suspected to be crude oil and destruction of an illegal oil storage facilities, was recorded at Elelewon and Borikiri areas, Portharcourt River State, by the commandant general’s special intelligence squad (CG’s SIS).

“The commandant general’s special intelligence squad [CG’s SIS] also discovered two  illegal vandalised rail track warehouses, arrested of four suspected rail track vandals, impounded one long open body trailer truck and confiscated large quantities of vandalized railway track sleepers along Kafanchan – Kwoi Road, Jama’a LGA, Kaduna state, on Monday, 17th july 2023.

 The Corps said:”The above feats were made through the injection of tangible and intangible assets to the NSCDC  by the Commandant General which included: the creation of a massive acquisition of arms for NSCDC operational use and the creation of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad [CG’s SIS] .

 “The squad headed by DCC Dandaura Apollos,  had made remarkable impact on the war against illegal bunkering, kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery among others.”

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested nine oil thieves and dismantled three bunkering sites in Rivers state as part of efforts to rid the oil sector of economic saboteurs. 

According to information from the Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja, the feat was achieved by NSCDC Commandant-General ‘s Special Intelligence Squad. 

The oil thieves were also involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal operations of local refineries. 

The nine suspects, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Service,  Babawale Afolabi, were arrested in a thick forest at Ommuma/Owaza forest- a boundary between Rivers and Abia States.

He said the Commander of the Squad, Appolos Dandaura ensured that a strategic surveillance system was placed on the crime scenes as the Squad resolved to bring to an end the activities of the criminals.

“Based on sustained intelligence we placed strategic surveillance on the crime scenes and apprehended 9 suspects caught in the act of illegally refining stolen crude extracted from a vandalized Oil Well Head, we also discovered an on-going construction of a local refinery with the capacity to produce 60,000 litres of crude at once”.

Read Also: NSCDC dismantles massive illegal bunkering site in Rivers

“While on operational tour across the terrain, we uncovered about 3 well constructed illegal local refineries where crude is being siphoned through the vandalized Well Head with large hoses connected to transmit crude to Cooking ovens and later channelled to reservoirs after processing; thereafter loading is finally done “, Afolabi said in a statement. 

He added that the site of the bunkering occupied over 15 Modular ovens with 4 fabricated reservoirs and 30 pits dug out to store processed AGO.

He gave the names of suspects arrested as Oghene Wede (M) 32years, Moses James (M) 25 years, Chidi Nwosu (M) 53 years, Samuel John (M) 24 years, Emmanuel Paul (M) 20 years, Oghenevo Nwebi (M) 43 years, Martina Whinnypeter (F) 38 Years, Nwabuchi Nwogu (M) 41 years and David Okere (M) 20 years”.

He said some exhibits recovered during the operations are: RWD 5.0 GFE-6500 Power Generating Set, 2 Yellow Colour Pumping Machines, Metal and Plastic buckets, Cutlasses, Saw, Mats, Welding Machine, Galvanized metal pipes, different heavy-duty hoses, Head flashlights, some Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) illegally processed in cooking ovens. 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has discovered and dismantled a massive illegal bunkering site in the Odagwa community, Etche local government area of Rivers state.

It was gathered that the operation was carried out by the Special Intelligence Squad set up by the corps’ Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to step up the operational and intelligence mechanism in the protection of critical national assets and Infrastructure across the country.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on behalf of the Rivers State Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, the command’s spokesperson, SP Olufemi Ayodele said the operational tour across the massive forest took the operatives four hours.

He said the Commandant-General had the determination to wage a continuous war against illegal dealings in petroleum products, oil theft, vandalism of oil pipelines, and all forms of economic sabotage.

He said the special squad within a short period, dismantled over 350 illegal bunkering sites in the Niger Delta area and arrested and prosecuted hundreds of suspects.

He said the squad swung into action and arrested three suspects while others took to their heels manoeuvring the forest due to the terrain.

He explained that a large multinational’s manifold was invaded through a broken fence, and large industrial hoses were used to siphon crude oil and transmitted through numerous metal galvanised pipes to cooking pots and further stored in reservoirs for onward loading to would-be buyers.

Read Also: Group alleges plots to undermine NSCDC operations

Ayodele said: “Having walked through this thick forest, you have practically seen how the manifold and oil wellhead were vandalized by unscrupulous elements.

“They tapped into the source and buried the hoses and pipes underground, waiting for the multinationals to pump the crude, immediately the pumping starts they commence their nefarious operations through illegal local refining of crude to derive Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), DPK, and others.”

He said that the fight against illegal bunkering was a strategic war that must be fought with collective will and consciousness, especially as such acts caused environmental degradation, pollution, and health hazards.

He said to eradicate black soot, the locals and all stakeholders must stop operations of illegal refineries and other activities causing more harm to the people and the environment.

He said: “On this note, I wish to reiterate the words of the NSCDC boss that ‘the fight against oil theft, vandalism and illegal dealings in petroleum product is non-negotiable as the NSCDC is fully committed to its statutory mandate of safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure; this we would do relentlessly and without compromise.”