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  • NSCDC rescues wandering teenage boy in Ebonyi

    NSCDC rescues wandering teenage boy in Ebonyi

    A 13- year old boy, Goodluck Onwe has been rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Enugu State.

    NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, in a statement, said the victim was rescued while wandering the streets of Abakaliki.

    He said the victim had since been reunited with his family in Anambra State.

    According to him: “The little boy was seen wandering the streets of Abakaliki before he w8as rescued on the 4th of February, 2024 at about 1300hrs by operatives of NSCDC Ebonyi State Command.

    Read Also: FCT Commandant of NSCDC warns 532 new personnel on weapon handling

    “Investigation reveals that the said boy stays with a relative in Abakaliki but ran away from home with an intent to return to his parents who resides at Peter Okonkwo Street Aguleri, Anambra East LGA, Anambra State.

    “Subsequently, NSCDC Anambra State Command was contacted by Ebonyi State Command to trace the origin and parents of the Child. 

    “In response, the Command made a frantic effort to locate his parents for identification and collection. After a detailed verification process, the boy has been handed over to Mr. Onwe Sabastine his father.”

  • FCT Commandant of NSCDC warns 532 new personnel on weapon handling

    FCT Commandant of NSCDC warns 532 new personnel on weapon handling

    The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Olusola Odumosu, has cautioned the 532 recently inducted personnel of the Command to exercise caution in their handling of weapons, particularly guns.

    Odumosu issued this warning at the headquarters of the Corps in Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja, shortly after the Passing Out Parade (POP) was conducted for the personnel.

    He said: “One last warning. You cannot receive enough warnings as far as this job you have found yourself is concerned. You have been trained in weapons handling. This is one aspect of your job that you have to tread with utmost caution.

    “In NSCDC, there is nothing like accidental discharge. Once you find yourself holding a weapon, rules of engagement must continually sound in your head. Your rifle is as safe as you want it to be.”

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    Describing the event as another epoch-making occasion following the inauguration of newly acquired gun trucks for the Command, Odumosu said the new Corps should justify their recruitment into the Service through commitment, discipline and professionalism.

    “It is not a day for making speeches, we are here to congratulate you and to see your beautiful parades. But is not without charging you as you have graduated from being trainees to full-fledged NSCDC operatives.

    “You are now entitled to all privileges as well as disciplinary actions that go with infractions. You are now public servants, it will do you a lot of good to get yourselves acquainted with the Public Service Rules, the NSCDC condition of service, scheme of service and standard operational procedures,” the Commandant said.

    Odumosu who emphasized continuous training for the Corps, however, said that they would continue to learn on the job till retirement.

    “As from tomorrow, you will start receiving your deployment orders to Departments, Units, Area Command, Divisions and Outposts. It is an offence to lobby for deployment. Wherever you find yourself, give it your best.

    “Be warned that this is a regimented organization with zero tolerance for any acts of indiscipline. Here there is no unionism, no activism, and no aluta continua.

    “Respect for and regard for seniority is mandatory irrespective of age and size. Let me quickly let you know that your being confirmed as staff of NSCDC does not imply that you have arrived.

    “You must shun bribery and other forms of corrupt practices. It is on record that those who have engaged themselves in unwholesome practices as a shortcut to making wealth found themselves taking the shorter and ignominious route out of the corps. To be forewarned is to be forearmed”, Odumosu stated.

  • Tantita, NSCDC operatives set ablaze crude oil storage facility in Ondo

    Tantita, NSCDC operatives set ablaze crude oil storage facility in Ondo

    Operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in conjunction with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have destroyed a local storage facility located along the Alowe seashore in Awoye, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo state.

    A statement by the TSSNL Director Operations and Technical, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, made available to reporters in Warri, Delta state Monday, said that Tantita agents led by Chief Idowu Asonja, the Ondo state commandant, had kept tabs on the activities of the suspected oil thieves who sold adulterated crude oil to local buyers.

    According to the statement, the operatives around 8:36 a.m. on Sunday, stormed the facility and set it ablaze.

    The Trans-Extravis Pipeline located along the Western Corridor was vandalized by the suspects who according to the statement, “escaped through their various speed boats.”

    “Fortunately, we met 700 kegs filled with crude oil, which is tantamount to twenty-one thousand litres of crude oil. The whole kegs with the camp/store were set ablaze. Also, we met two wooden boats filled with crude oil, and all were destroyed,” the statement added.

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    It disclosed that the operation faced some resistance from some community “guys,” but with men of the NSCDC, they were successfully rebuffed.

    It further added that the Tantita Commandant urged the community to desist from “stealing the nation’s source of income,” but rather support the private firm in the war against crude oil theft and saboteurs.

    The operation comes barely 24 hours after the chairman of TSSNL, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, was conferred with the Nigeria Union of Journalists Internal Security Meritorious Award for his outstanding contributions to salvaging the nation’s economy.

    Tompolo while receiving the award harped on the need to end crude oil theft, saying, “I don’t have any other place, except Nigeria. Nigeria is the only country I have, so we must all join hands to protect and move Nigeria forward.

    “Our economy is in dire need of survival, so we cannot fold our hands and allow some persons to sabotage the nation’s economy because of greed.”

  • Flush out remnants of bandits, kidnappers in FCT, NSCDC boss tells personnel

    Flush out remnants of bandits, kidnappers in FCT, NSCDC boss tells personnel

    The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi has ordered Security agents in Gwagwalada and Kwali axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to flush out remnants of bandits and kidnappers within the areas.

    Audi, who gave the order during the inauguration of the new Operation Office of the NSCDC at the Headquarters of the Kwali Local Government Council, Abuja, said intelligence reports indicated that bad guys are now hiding around the hill areas of Gwagwalada and Kwali.

    Audi said: “Citizens and residents of Kwali should be at alert because we understand that some bad guys are infiltrating these hilly areas of Kwali and Gwagwalada.

    “We enjoin all residents of these areas, and in particular Kwali to provide timely information to security agencies who are now working in synergy to flush out all this bad guys. They have been degraded elsewhere, so we have to get rid of them from the entire FCT.”

    Audi, who praised the Kwali Area Council for building a befitting ediface for the NSCDC, said the Corps would reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that they do their own parts in safeguarding lives and property as well as critical national assets.

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    Audi also inaugurated three gun-fitted trucks at the headquarters of the FCT Command of the NSCDC as part of activities to mark the International Civil Defence Day and commemorate his three years in office as the third substantive Commandant-General of the NSCDC.

    Speaking at the event, the CG said going by recent events across the country, the NSCDC has demonstrated its paramilitary capabilities and carved a nitch for itself in various military operations and in the process lost some of its personnel in line of duty.

    Audi however warned the personnel of the Corps not to deploy the equipment being inaugurated to intimidate, harass or molest Nigerians, insisting that the equipment should be used to deal a fatal blow on terrorists, kidnappers and bandits.

    “You must give us results with these equipment at your disposal. Go about your duties of maintenance of peace and security together with other agencies, especially the Army and the Police.

    “We will continue to serve in all joint operations, and remember so much is expected from you now because to whom much is given, much is expected” Audi said.

    He praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the promotion of over 21,000 personnel of the Corps and urged citizens to provide intelligence information for security agencies to enable them respond quickly to critical situations.

    The Commandant of the FCT Command of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu praised the CG for changing the narratives of the Corps within the past three years.

    According to Odumosu, the policy of the CG to restructure and rejig the Corps have started yielding the desired results across all cadres and formations of the NSCDC. He said his Command would not let the CG and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike down as it would protect critical national assets and infrastructures and rid the FCT of bad elements.

  • NSCDC arrests 51 ‘illegal miners’ in Abuja

    NSCDC arrests 51 ‘illegal miners’ in Abuja

    Fifty-one suspected illegal miners and three telecom mast alleged vandals have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.

    The FCT Commandant of the agency, Olusola Odumosu, revealed this at the command’s headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

    Odumosu told newsmen that the three vandalism suspects were apprehended by his men of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit, following a tip-off on their activities at Giri area by the FCT Command intelligence and undercover operatives.

    He said the suspects were unable to show evidence that they were on official duty and could not show any approval from the Corps during interrogation.

    Odumosu said: “The suspects have no proper means of identification showing who they are and the company they are working for.

    “Upon further questioning, they revealed that a certain businessman had already been paid the sum of N4 million ahead for the dismantling which raised suspicion of a premeditated act of vandalism.

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    “Ongoing investigation is being carried out to determine his level of culpability and ownership claim after which necessary action will be taken.”

    Odumosu said the 51 suspects were arrested in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT for engaging in illegal mining activities.

    He explained that the suspects, all male, had been profiled and had no evidence of a registered company they were operating under as well as no exploration and mining licence.

    “All acts of illegal mining encroach on the soil and cause environmental degradation and erosion and that is why most of these areas are no longer useful for agricultural and human activities,” Odumosu said.

    He said that after thoroughly investigating both cases, the suspects would be charged to court to serve as deterrence to others.

    Exhibits recovered from the 54 suspects were dismantled metal mast parts, five pumping machines amongst others.

  • NSCDC operatives arrest 51 illegal miners in Abuja

    NSCDC operatives arrest 51 illegal miners in Abuja

    No fewer than 51 illegal miners and three suspected telecom mast vandals have been arrested by operatives of the FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu disclosed this at the Command’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, February 26.

    Odumosu told newsmen that the three vandalism suspects were apprehended by his men of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit, following a tip-off of their activities in the Giri area by the FCT Command intelligence and undercover operatives

    He said the suspects during interrogation by the Command’s Anti-vandal Unit, were unable to show evidence that they were on official duty nor show any approval from the Corps.

    Odumosu said: “The suspects have no proper means of identification showing who they are and the company they are working for.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Scrapping of govt agencies, other recommendations from Oronsaye report

    “Upon further questioning, they revealed that a certain businessman had already been paid the sum of N4 million ahead for the dismantling which raised suspicion of a premeditated act of vandalism.

    “Ongoing investigation is being carried out to determine his level of culpability and ownership claim after which necessary action will be taken.”

    The Commandant disclosed that in a similar operation, 51 suspects were arrested in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT for engaging in illegal mining activities.

    Odumosu explained that the suspects, all male, had been profiled and had no evidence of a registered company they were operating under as well as no exploration and mining licence.

    He stated: “All acts of illegal mining encroach on the soil and cause environmental degradation and erosion and that is why most of these areas are no longer useful for agricultural and human activities.”

    He said that after thoroughly investigating both cases, the suspects would be charged to court for further action that will serve as deterrence to others.

    Exhibits recovered from the 54 suspects were dismantled metal mast parts, and five pumping machines among others.

  • NSCDC arrests ten suspected illegal miners in Abia

    NSCDC arrests ten suspected illegal miners in Abia

    • Says their activities constitute economic sabotage

    The Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested ten (10) suspects for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at different mining sites in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    The suspects were arrested Friday at about 12:15 pm.

    Parading the suspects in Umuahia, the State Commandant Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, said the arrest was made in strict compliance to the directives of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to end the activities of illegal miners in all mining sites across the country. 

    According to Commandant Alfadarai, “the activities of the illegal miners constitute serious economic sabotage to our nation and must not be allowed to continue. 

    “Beyond the negative consequences of their activities on the nation’s economy, the adverse effects on the environment and residents raise even greater concerns and we are poised to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to checkmate these unwholesome practices.”

    Read Also: Reps pledge to support NSCDC tackle crude oil theft, protect critical national assets

    Speaking further, the Abia NSCDC boss said  “The Command recently profiled the mining sites in Abia with a view to identifying the approved mining sites, get details of licensed miners and enforce compliance to global best practices in the sector. 

    “This arrest today is a strong statement to those illegal miners that it’s no longer business as usual.”

    He seized the opportunity to advise stakeholders in the mining sector to ensure that they operate with valid license and approved mining sites, adding that the warning had become necessary to block the revenue losses and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.

    The NSCDC State Commandant further assured that the suspects who were arrested at the mining site at Azumiri Umuezeama in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State would be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigations.

    He assured that the federal government agency was committed to a crime-free society.

    Items recovered from them include one truck with reg no. AAH 631XA, shovels, product samples, and head pans.

  • Reps pledge to support NSCDC tackle crude oil theft, protect critical national assets

    Reps pledge to support NSCDC tackle crude oil theft, protect critical national assets

    The Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses of the House of Representatives has pledged to provide support for the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect critical national infrastructure which includes oil pipelines and other oil and gas assets in a bid to tackle oil theft, vandalism and other such activities inimical to the economic health of the country.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, made the pledge when he led members of the Committee on a working visit to the Headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Ado-Doguwa, who was represented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon Sesi Olawasegun, in a meeting with the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, during the visited, lauded the Corps for its efforts so far which has yielded laudable results.

    Ado-Doguwa stressed the need to conduct a comprehensive review, audit and risk assessment to ensure the protection of the pipelines and other critical assets.

    He said, as the lead agency, the Corps should as a matter of priority and in collaboration with other stakeholders develop a Critical National Security Assets and infrastructure (CNAI) Protection Response Plan that designates roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders.

    The lawmaker warned “saboteurs and enemies of our country to have a rethink and desist from their evil onslaught on the economic livewire of this nation. “

    He said, Nigeria is the only country “we can call our own, and we all must join hands to build it.”

    He said, “These core responsibility of protecting Critical National Security Assets and infrastructure (CNAI) among others are so germane to solving the devastating menace of crude oil theft currently ravaging our country

    “May I also emphasise that the protection of critical assets and infrastructure is very vital to the continued existence of every nation globally. To that effect, the Nigeria’s National Security Strategy (NNSS) 2019, captured and emphasised the urgent need for safeguarding these assets.

    “It was clearly stated in the National Security Strategy document that: ‘The key objectives of identifying, classifying and prioritizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) are to determine appropriate levels of protection required for each CNAI or groups of CNAI; enhance the resilience of CNAI to hazards; and minimize the effect of attacks or disasters on CNΑΙ.’

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    “The document further highlighted that: “The lead agency statutorily responsible for protecting all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) is the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This therefore means that a lot is expected from the Corp.

    “I commend the Commandant General and the officers and men of the Corp for your outstanding commitment in delivering on your several mandates despite the enormous challenges confronting the Corp, however, the reality of what the country is facing today demands more from all of us.

    “The special committee on Oil Theft/Losses have the mandate of the House to work with you to address the challenge of oil theft.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, It is on record that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Alhaji Mele Kyari was recently reported to have lamented that the over 5,000 kilometres of oil pipelines are not working due to pipeline vandalism.

    “Likewise, the Presidential Special Investigative Panel on Oil theft/Losses in Nigeria stated in their report that ‘crude oil theft and related pipeline sabotage have forced some companies to shut down production and/ or sell off their assets. Shell, Chevron, Mobil and other IOCs are divesting their land and shallow water assets mainly because they no longer see growth potentials in them.

    “‘It is also the same for Marginal field operators. They all cite the significance difference between what they produce at the wellheads and output at the terminals, as an operational challenge that occasions huge losses of their investment.”

    The Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for the support but said there was still so much that needed to be done to enae the corps effectively achieve its mandate.

    He said so far over 600 vandals had been arrested and more than 200 successfully prosecuted.

    The Commandant General said the Corps has developed kinetic and non-kinetic measures to deal with the problem.

    Audi said the Corps were working assiduously on its objectives, but is greatly hampered by lack of funds among other problems.

  • NSCDC operatives, soldiers arrest 42 fleeing bandits in Abuja

    NSCDC operatives, soldiers arrest 42 fleeing bandits in Abuja

    No fewer than 42 suspected bandits have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigeria Army.

    According to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commander of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, the bandits/terrorists were arrested in the forest of Tsaumi Village in Niger State following credible intelligence.

    Odumosu who briefed newsmen at the headquarters of the Corps in Abuja while parading the suspects, praised the Nigeria Army for collaborating with the NSCDC to rid the FCT Abuja and its environs of criminal elements.

    He said: “I am happy to announce to you today that the charge we gave our personnel some days ago is paying off. Acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, 42 suspected bandits and terrorists operating under the cover of being miners of solid minerals have been arrested.

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    “The suspects were intercepted at the forest of Tsaumi Village bothering Lambata in Gurara local government area of Niger state.

    “Preliminary investigation by the Corps revealed that they may not be miners as they presented but rather suspected bandits fleeing the ongoing onslaught of the military operation in Zamfara State through the forest zone of Niger State into the FCT through Gwagwalada Area Council enroute Pai Village of Kwali Area Council.

    “In the course of interrogation, they were unable to disclose the mining site and company name they alleged to be working for.

    “Further investigation revealed that this group of young men have been operating within Zamfara, Kogi, and Niger States.

    “At the time they were intercepted, they had no evidence to show they were going on mining activities which suggests they have a sinister agenda.”

    “They have also confessed to having sponsors, however investigation in that regard is still ongoing and you will be intimated when it is concluded.”

    The FCT Commander further said that the Command arrested four syndicates who specialised in the theft and vandalisation of critical assets and infrastructure in the FCT.

    He said in a joint operation with men of the Department of States Security (DSS) that the suspects were arrested at various locations within Abuja and are currently helping security operatives with more information on their modus operandi.

    Odumosu gave their names as Bartholomew Anthony, Hakilu Muhammed, Abdulrahaman Abbas, and Samila Promise.

  • NSCDC stops five suspects from sabotaging NNPCL pipeline in Rivers

    NSCDC stops five suspects from sabotaging NNPCL pipeline in Rivers

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stopped five suspects from tapping crude oil from pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in Rivers state.

    Speaking at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the state commandant, Basil Igwebueze, said the suspects were arrested at Alesa-Eleme Okrika road, Eleme local government while laying galvanized pipes close to NNPC/PPMC right of way.

    Basil insisted that the command under his watch would continue to fight relentlessly the activities of illegal oil bunkering in the state.

    He said the operatives also impounded nine vehicles and 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO), which was mainly concealed in cellophanes and gallons.

    Read Also: NSCDC, Tantita arrest vessel with 88,000 litres of crude oil

    He noted: “Preliminary investigation report revealed that the suspects carried out the act with the intention of siphoning petroleum products from the pipeline at late hours of the night.”

    Basil in a statement signed by the corps’ Public Relations Officer, SC. Olufemi Ayodele said the vehicles and their illegal contents were impounded at East-West road in Eleme LGA, Iwofe Road, Rumuelimini in Obio/Akpor LGA, Station Road, Water Font in Elelenwo Community, Okehi Town in Etche LGA, Location Flyover Mgbuoba Community, New Road off Ada George and Eagle Island Jetty Port Harcourt.

    Basil said that the suspects would be charged to court at the end of thorough investigations while the contents and the mode of conveyance would be forfeited and proceeds remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).