The Bayelsa State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday has begun investigation into an attack on pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in the state.
Contrary to the claims of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) that its fighters bombed pipelines at Nembe, NCSDC said the compromised trunk lines were located at Lasukugbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
NSCDC Commandant Desmond Agu said he got a report that two explosions rocked the pipelines.
He said his men immediately went to the scene and discovered that the Egbikiba pipeline was attacked.
The NSCDC commandant said the explosion cut the pipeline, adding that his men were combing the area to track down the culprits.
Agu said the command had recorded successes against pipeline vandals across the state.
The NSCDC chief described the latest attack as an isolated case.
He said: “We have been arresting suspected vandals in the state. That is why Bayelsa has been kept safe from major attacks. We had also foiled many attempts to bomb oil pipelines. We are investigating this matter to bring the culprits to justice.”
“”We are also warning youths to stop fomenting trouble and to stay away from oil installations. The state and the Niger Delta region need peace to develop.”
Tag: NSCDC
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NSCDC probes attack on oil pipelines
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NSCDC arrests two suspected drug vendors in Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa said on Thursday that it had arrested two suspected drug vendors.
The Commandant of the Corps, Malam Muhammad Durumin-Iya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that his men arrested the suspects at the Central Motor Park, in Kanti quarters, Kazaure Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the suspects (names withheld), were arrested with 25 sachets of Rochi tablets and nine bottles of Benelin cough syrup.
He said the suspects who confessed to committing the offence, had been handed over to the office of the National Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
Durum in-Iya advised the public to stop patronising local drug vendors, saying drugs bought from such vendors were not good for use.
According to him, such drugs are not kept under the prescribed temperature, thereby rendering them harmful for human consumption.
“Each drug carries information concerning the temperature under which it is supposed to be kept.
“But these local and illegal vendors expose their drugs to the sun all the time, and for this, these drugs expire and become dangerous to consume,” he said.
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NSCDC move to checkmate Kogi illegal mining
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have moved to checkmate the activities of illegal miners in the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.
The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Evarestus Obiyo made this known yesterday in the State capital, Lokoja.
He advised miners in the state to regularise their status through the appropriate quarters.
Speaking against the backdrop of the Federal Government initiative to diversify the nation’s economy from dependence on oil revenue, the outline plan for the protection of mining sites against the activities of illegal miners in Kogi.
He said the federal government had given the NSCDC the mandate to protect mining sites and collaborate with the ministry of mines and steel development to ensure that all illegal miners are fished out from the system.
He said areas with issues of communal clashes just like in the case of Iyano in Ibaji, and others farmers verses Fulani herdsmen clashes, would be specifically given attention in a way to ensure that lasting peace is brought to their communities.
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Boko Haram hires youths to supply fuel – NSCDC
The Borno command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Sunday raised the alarm that youths in Maiduguri are now being recruited by Boko Haram to supply fuel in Gamboru Ngala area of the state.
The Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi made the revelation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said the command had intercepted a reasonable quantity of fuel packaged in a carton of groundnut oil, bound for Gamboru Ngala local government area in the state.
He said since Boko Haram are running out of food and other supplies, they have employed all sorts of means to replenish stock.
“The command had so far arrested a suspect, who confessed that he did not know the owner of the consignment that he was asked to deliver to the insurgents trapped in Gamboru Ngala.
“He later confessed that each of the five litres of fuel is sold at N15,000 to the insurgents.
“You will recall we raised the alarm that some agents of Boko Haram were transporting stolen cows from Mafa, Kalabalge and Bomboshe axis in the state to cattle market in Maiduguri.
“The Boko Haram usually send the cows to their agents in the city who will then sell them and repatriate either cash or fuel to the terrorists.
“We are therefore warning the people especially drivers not to accept or convey any form of message that looks suspicious to any one, especially along the Gamboru axis.
“We are also warning the drivers, park owners and union groups to always check their passengers and their luggages to avoid transporting bad elements that would cause havoc in the society.
According to him, the command is working with other relevant security agencies to bring all the collaborators of terrorists to book. (NAN)
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Eight die in Jigawa auto crash
At least eight persons died in an auto crash along Hadejia-Kano road in Kaugama local government area of Jigawa on Sunday evening.
The spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr. Adamu Abdullahi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the accident involved a car and a jeep.
“Our men were returning from Hadejia when the accidents happened and they assisted in rescuing survivors and took the dead victims to a nearby hospital,’’ Abdullahi told NAN.
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‘Why we gave Bayelsa NSCDC boss leadership award’
A civil society group under the aegis of the Pan-African Leadership Transparency Centre (PALTC), Abuja, has honoured the Bayelsa State command of the Nigeria Security and a Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to Yenagoa.
The award of excellence in leadership was given to the Commandant, Mr. Desmond Agu. They said they were monitoring all the activities of Agu, his achievements and leadership qualities since he assumed the command of NSCDC in Bayelsa. The visitors confessed that they read most of the activities of Agu in the Niger Delta Report.
The National Coordinator, PALTC, Mr. Valentine Agba; the centre’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Lekpo Gideon; Field Coordinator, John Tondi, media crew and other members of the group came with the award and a certificate for Agu.
Gideon said Agu stood tall among his contemporaries adding that he had proved worthy of a leader. He said the commandant’s vas experience was uncommon; his humane disposition inspiring and his competence intimidating.
He said: “Mr. Agu is a distinguished icon, a professional expert, the most proactive civil Defence commandant and one of the best in the country.”
Gideon said PALTC was impressed at how Agu transformed an almost moribund NSCDC command in the state into a force to reckon with. He said Agu inherited a command that operated in a rented decrepit building but was able to build a permanent and world-class structure that impacted positively on the image of NSCDC.
“After careful analysis from the period he took over the Bayelsa State command of NSCDC, we discovered that Agu worked very hard to improve the command, turned it around and gave it a modern facelift. He worked very hard with diplomacy to provide critical infrastructures to improve the activities of his men and officers.
“He has achieved relevance, respect and recognition through hard work and dedication to his calling. His antecedents, recommendations and attributes earned him the prestigious leadership award”, he said.
Also corroborating the sentiments expressed by PALTC, Agu’s Second-in-Command, Udoeyo Anielka, said the award was not surprising to men and officers of the command.
Addressing his boss, he said: “We can testify that you met nothing on ground. But your singular effort, fighting like a lion, you have brought us to the mainstream and we are now a force to reckon with.
“There is nothing done in this state that civil defence is not called upon. We have the synergy with other security agencies. We work as a team and that is why we are succeeding”.
Also in his remarks, the Deputy Commandant and Head of Intelligence and Investigation, George Anyanwu, said al the officers in the command had been encouraged by the award.
He said apart from his achievements, Agu had shown love to the downtrodden. He said despite his busy schedule, Agu was fond of showing humility by attending social engagements involving his officers.
In his address, the commandant who was elated by the recognition, described the award as the greatest among over 35 awards he had so far received. He said in all other states like Enugu, Delta and Plateau, he worked before coming to Bayelsa, he was driven by patriotism.
He extolled the virtues of the Commandant-General and thanked him for having confidence in him. He promised never to disappoint the commandant-general and the country while discharging his functions.
“I have served my country and this organisation with sincerity. I believe that was what touched this organisation to recognise me in this manner. Since I came to Bayelsa, NSCDC has achieved a lot.
“We have a good relationship with other security agencies. We have destroyed more than 1000 illegal refineries in the state. We have prosecuted many cases and some cases are still in the court.
“The command is one of the best commands as far as the NSCDC is concerned. I thank my commander-general for finding me worthy to be posted in this state. I will not fail you. I will serve my nation with all my heart. I will serve the nation with sincerity.
“I can’t achieve this without the support of my subordinates. I dedicate this award to my subordinates. To whom much is given, much is expected.
“This is a responsibility for us to do more. We will work harder and this nation will remain united and in peace. Whatever we can do to ensure that Nigeria remains crime-free, we will do it”, he said.
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NSCDC deploys 15,250 unit officers
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deloyed 15, 250 officers in Edo State to ensure a peaceful election.
The NSCDC Acting Deputy Commandant-General, Operations, Mr Hillary Madu, disclosed this, in Benin.
He said personnel deployed in the elections, include 15, 000 armed and unarmed officers, while 250 are drawn from the specialised units of the NSCDC.
Madu said the specialised units included the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) unit, Kernel and Counter Terrorism units, undercover officers and others.
He said the officers would work with other security agencies to make the election free, fair and credible.
Madu, who warned anybody who planning to disrupt the process, also warned his men against being compromised by politicians.
He described Edo as a peaceful state, appealing to the people to ensure that the peace is sustained before, during and after the election.
He said to sustain peace in the state, five commandants from neighbouring states have been deployed to coordinate the 15,250 officers deployed in the state.
The Acting Deputy Commandant-General, stressed that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that development can take place.
He said: “Edo is well known for peace, every states of the federation always look unto the state for its peaceful nature, and that. we are here to maintain.
“That is exactly why we are here, we are preaching peace and appealing to everybody, especially the politicians and their loyalists to help us sustain this peace.
“This election is not about anybody, and it is not worth the soul of anybody. We must all work for the success of the poll.
“For us as a security agency, we are not politicians, we are here to ensure free, fair and credible governorship election. “
Madu, while not disclosing strategy adopted by the corps, said the major flash points across the state had been well taken care of.
He said officers of the NSCDC would be visible in all the 2,627 polling units, and 192 wards across the state.
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NSCDC reopens shut Bayelsa oil well
The Bayelsa State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reopened an oil well shut by the Ogboibiri community, Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.
It was gathered that the community blocked the wellhead following a disagreement with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), which operates in the area.
The community leaders accused the oil firm of failing to honour a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with them.
A community source said people of the area ran out of patience on September 21 and blocked the wellhead.
He said the decision, which was taken by the Community Development Committee (CDC) led by Mr. Okosughe Benson, was leaked to operatives of the NSCDC who were patrolling oil facilities in the area.
“Suddenly, the CDC chairman got a telephone call from the NSCDC state Commandant, Mr. Desmond Agu, who engaged the committee and told them to suspend their action.
“Agu reeled out the implications of shutting down an oil well and advised them to embrace dialogue. He promised to intervene to resolve the lingering dispute between the community and the oil firm,” the source added.
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NSCDC uncovers illegal bunkering site in Lagos
Operatives of the National Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) yesterday uncovered illegal fuel bunkering activities at a boundary between Mosan Okunola and Agbado/ Oke Odo Local Council Development Areas of Alimosho, a suburb of Lagos..
The operatives were led by NSCDC Commandant, Tajudeen Balogun to the site where it was discovered that some people had been siphoning petrol from a Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation( NNPC) pipeline across a river in the communities.
The pipeline was reportedly vandalised by a syndicate in the area.
Although, the suspected vandals had fled before the arrival of the operatives, but the law enforcement agents recovered some of their tools including long pipes and hose with which fuel is scooped from the vandalised pipeline.
The operatives however arrested a security officer, Sam Benedict, who was in charge of the toll collection of a makeshift bridge constructed across the river linking the neighbouring communities.
Sam who denied knowledge of the illicit operation said he was employed by his boss for toll collection ranging from N20 to N200 from pedestrians and motorists.
He added that the business was solely run by his boss who is a lawyer.
Our correspondent observed a couple of tankers parked along some streets leading to the river bank,while no petrol station was sighted in the area.
At the scene, some chairs and empty soft drink containers were seen on the path leading to the vandalized pipeline. The items, according to the NSCDC operatives indicate regular activities in the creek.
The commandant, however, vowed to investigate those behind the operation, noting that appropriate sanctions would be meted on culprits.
He urged residents of the community to desist from backing criminals involved in vandalism, warning that such could lead to unexpected jeopardy.
Balogun said : “We got an intelligence report from our division here that something fishy was going on in this area and I am here to confirm it. What we have seen is a petroleum pipeline has been vandalised and normally our own duty is to confirm and get across to the appropriate authorities. In this instance, NNPC should come over immediately to seal it up so that our national asset will not be disturbed by wastage, sabotage and miscreants.
“We are still extending our investigations to know the perpetrators of this act because that thing did not just happen. Somebody worked on that pipeline to drill it with the intention of siphoning petrol which is economic sabotage.Our own intelligence group will sniff around to see if there are some collaborators within the community, who are aiding and abetting illegality and will work with appropriate authorities to see how we can stop this from happening.”
Continuing, he said : “We are working in conjunction with the Lagos state government to clear all the creeks so that doing anything under darkness will not be allowed. We appeal to the communities around here, residents who live here permanently that there is no need to be selfish and supporting criminal to do this kind of act.”
The corps also called the attention of the government to the recent leakages of NNPC pipelines, following the discovery of another fuel well at a school on 2, Taiwo Aina Street.
The commandant emphasized the need for the NNPC to proactively tackle the challenge with proactive measures, noting that the inherent hazards were beyond economic sabotage.
The well, he said, currently poses danger to toddlers who often use the school premises.
“The most important thing is that right now, to avoid disaster which could be manmade, because when petrol is usually in a place like that, and there is fire, you can imagine what will be the case. To make matters worse, this is the premises of a school. We have little children here,” he added.
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NSCDC uncovers illegal bunkering site in Alimosho
Operatives of the National Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) on Friday uncovered illegal fuel bunkering activities at a boundary between Mosan Okunola and Agbado/ Oke Odo Local Council Development Areas of Alimosho, a suburb of Lagos..
The operatives were led by NSCDC Commandant, Tajudeen Balogun to the site where it was discovered that some people had been siphoning petrol from a Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline across a river in the communities.
The pipeline was reportedly vandalised by a syndicate in the area.
Although, the suspected vandals had fled before the arrival of the operatives, but the law enforcement agents recovered some of their tools including long pipes and hose with which fuel is scooped from the vandalised pipeline.
The operatives, however arrested a security officer, Sam Benedict, who was in charge of the toll collection of a makeshift bridge constructed across the river linking the neighbouring communities.
Sam, who denied knowledge of the illicit operation said he was employed by his boss for toll collection ranging from N20 to N200 from pedestrians and motorists.
He added that the business was solely run by his boss who is a lawyer.
Our correspondent observed a couple of tankers parked along some streets leading to the river bank, while no petrol station was sighted in the area.
At the scene, some chairs and empty soft drink containers were seen on the path leading to the vandalized pipeline. The items, according to the NSCDC operatives indicate regular activities in the creek.
The commandant, however, vowed to investigate those behind the operation, noting that appropriate sanctions would be meted on the culprits.
He urged residents of the community to desist from backing criminals involved in vandalism, warning that such could lead to unexpected jeopardy.
Balogun said: “We got an intelligence report from our division here that something fishy was going on in this area and I am here to confirm it. What we have seen is a petroleum pipeline has been vandalised and normally our own duty is to confirm and get across to the appropriate authorities. In this instance, NNPC should come over immediately to seal it up so that our national asset will not be disturbed by wastage, sabotage and miscreants.
“We are still extending our investigations to know the perpetrators of this act because that thing did not just happen. Somebody worked on that pipeline to drill it with the intention of siphoning petrol which is economic sabotage. Our own intelligence group will sniff around to see if there are some collaborators within the community, who are aiding and abetting illegality and will work with the appropriate authorities to see how we can stop this from happening.”
Continuing, he said: “We are working in conjunction with the Lagos state government to clear all the creeks so that doing anything under darkness will not be allowed. We appeal to the communities around here, residents who live here permanently that there is no need to be selfish and supporting criminal to do this kind of act.”
The corps also called the attention of the government to the recent leakages of NNPC pipelines, following the discovery of another fuel well at a school on 2, Taiwo Aina Street.
The commandant emphasized the need for the NNPC to proactively tackle the challenge with proactive measures, noting that the inherent hazards were beyond economic sabotage.
The well, he said, currently poses danger to toddlers who often use the school premises.
“The most important thing is that right now, to avoid a disaster which could be manmade, because when petrol is usually in a place like that, and there is fire, you can imagine what will be the case. To make matters worse, this is the premises of a school. We have little children here,” he added.