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Tag: NSCDC

  • NSCDC was outstanding during my tenure, says Obasanjo

    NSCDC was outstanding during my tenure, says Obasanjo

    •Ex-president, Amosun hail Abolurin

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), unlike other security agencies, distinguished itself during his tenure between 1999 and 2007.

    Obasanjo said he did not receive much complaints of “misbehaviour” about the NSCDC and its operatives as was the case with other agencies engaged in security matters.

    The former President spoke when the retired head of the NSCDC, Ade Abolurin, visited him at his Presidential Hilltop Estate, Abeokuta.

    He added that one of the problems afflicting Nigeria was lack of continuity of “integrity, patriotism and cherished values” by subsequent leaders.

    Obasanjo hailed Abolurin for nurturing the corps from unremunerated voluntary organisation to become a national agency combating pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering and other vices.

    He said: “This organisation became institutionalised by virtue of the good work the organisation was doing as a voluntary organisation for many years.

    “One of the things that I had to confront in my tenure as President of Nigeria was pipeline vandalisation, holdup, and crude oil stealing – what they called bunkering. There is nothing like bunkering, it is outright stealing.

    “We used all the available agencies and resources and your organisation as a voluntary organisation, unpaid,  unremunerated, unrecognised, uninstitutionalised, was doing a great job without being armed and without being equipped.

    “And that mean the height of commitment, nationalism, patriotism and service to the fatherland and service to humanity. Of course, I didn’t hesitate to move ahead on an Act of Parliament to be able to organise you into what you are today.

    “Of course, there is no human institution that is ever perfect. But I can say, when I was the president, I did not get as much complaints about the misbehaviour of your organisation as I get about the misbehaviour of other agencies of government that are doing similar security work for the nation and that is something that you should be proud of as an organisation.

    “I am not saying there are absolutely no bad eggs among you and you know that. And for those of you who will continue to carry the mantle, do not spare any bad egg among you.

    “You, Ade Abolurin, you did your best, no human being is perfect and if there is any imperfection that I noted, is probably your enthusiasm  to wanting to get things right. You’ve gone, you’ve seen, and I think you have conquered and you’re welcome home.”

    The former president thanked the leaders who came after him and sustained the organization.

    He added: “As I am talking to you, I am also talking to your successor and I believe that where you have taken this organisation to, those coming after you will be able to build over it.

    “One of our problems in this country is lack of continuity. I hope in your own case and this organisation, there would be continuity, continuity not for the man coming after you to do everything exactly like you have done it, it is not possible even if the person coming after you is your biological son. He wouldn’t do everything the way you would want to do it.

    “But there are some essential things that should be preserved and maintained, the issue of value, integrity,  commitment, patriotism, those cherished values and virtues that you have maintained in this organisation, would continue to be maintained.”

    Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has hailed the achievements of Abolurin while in office.

    He said he transformed the once unknown outfit into a security agency to be reckoned with.

    He spoke when he received Abolurin, who paid him a thank you visit in his office yesterday.

    The governor described the feat of the ex-NSCDC boss as unprecedented and self-evident.

    “You brought professionalism into the Corps. There is no way the history of the Corps can be written without mentioning your name or making reference to your achievements.

    Abolurin hailed Obasanjo and Amosun for supporting him throughout his stay in office.

    He added that he was confronted with many tough challenges on the job, but he overcame by the grace of God.

     

  • ‘Integrity of NSCDC must be sustained’

    ‘Integrity of NSCDC must be sustained’

    The immediate past Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ade Abolurin, yesterday said the integrity and credibility of the corps must be sustained.

    He spoke at the official handover ceremony to his successor, Abdullahi Muhammadu.

    “People must have passion for the job as we support the government of the day and patriotism as well as professionalism must be seen in our attitude and display,” he said.

    He congratulated his successor and urged him to build upon the existing structure taking into cognisance the mission and vision statements of the corps which centred on humility, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.

    “I want to give God the glory and adoration for leading us up to this level.

    “I indeed feel proud, highly elated and very fulfilled for taking the NSCDC to the level where it is now.”

    “I do know we have not completely arrived but I am happy that I am leaving behind a corps that can be identified with integrity, credibility, zero tolerance for corruption, diligence and respect.

    “Therefore, you have seen that we have come of age to a particular level and from this level we can only say we shall move on to greater heights,” he said.

    He also called on the personnel to give his successor maximum cooperation in order to succeed as he bowed out after successfully serving the government and the corps for 10 meritorious years.

    He congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his decision and magnanimity in appointing an insider to keep the flag flying and to ensure continuity in the system.

    In his remarks, Muhammadu applauded his predecessor for his laudable projects and indelible record of achievements.

    He assured him of continuity to consolidate on the existing structure by taking staff welfare as one of his cardinal priority.

    He eulogised Abolurin on his fatherly role toward personnel and named him as the “father of Civil Defence in Nigeria” and pledged that the out-gone Commandant-General would forever remain his mentor.

    “You shall indeed remain the one and true Commandant-General of NSCDC for life, my father and mentor.

    “Your shoes are indeed too large for me to fill and so this is a challenge to us but by the grace of God we shall surmount all the battles ahead.

    “I am assuring you that with the training and exposure you have graciously given to me, I will use the experience and knowledge that I have gained to move the Corps forward,” he said.

     

  • Buhari appoints new NSCDC boss

    Buhari appoints new NSCDC boss

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday approved the appointment of Mr. Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu as the new Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, said that Muhammadu  succeeded Dr. Ade Abolurin, who has retired from service.

    Muhammadu, who was an Assistant Commandant-General of the NSCDC before his new appointment, hails from Muye in Lapai local government area of Niger State.

    He holds a B.Sc degree in Sociology from the University of Sokoto, and a Masters in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    “President Buhari wishes Dr. Abolurin a happy retirement,” the statement added.

     

  • NSCDC seizes 50 drums of adulterated petroleum products

    NSCDC seizes 50 drums of adulterated petroleum products

    The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has seized 50 drums of adulterated petroleum products in a Hausa settlement in Uyo, the state capital.

    The Assistant Commandant in charge of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Ime White, spoke on the seizure on behalf of the State Commandant, Mr. Emmanuel Oyetunji.

    The commandant said the command uncovered the products behind a mosque in the Hausa settlement near Akwa Ibom Transport Company’s motor park (AKTC).

    He said: “Following a tip-off, the command confiscated 50 drums of adulterated petroleum products, which could have been supplied to unsuspected company.”

    Oyetunji said no suspect had been arrested.

    But he assured that the command would soon bring the perpetrators to justice.

    He urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious character to law enforcement agencies nearest to them.

  • NSCDC nabs 7 over crude oil theft in Delta

    NSCDC nabs 7 over crude oil theft in Delta

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Delta Command, has arrested seven suspects for illegal haulage of crude oil.

    The NSCDC Commandant, Mrs Beatrice Erabor, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Saturday in Asaba.

    She said that the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Saturday along Kwale-Ogwashi-Uku Road, for illegal possession of crude oil.

    She listed the names of the suspects listed as Ifeanyi Agbu, Monday Abokari, Austin Asemota, Endurance Mordi, Julius Sunday, Ifeanyi Iloh and Chimere Ikechukwu.

    The commandant said that they were arrested alongside three trucks each containing 33, 000 litres of crude oil with number plates AUC 62 SA, XA 325 KL and LEH 206 XA.

    Erabor, who resumed office recently as the State Commandant, said that the NSCDC was the lead agency against pipeline vandalism and would stand to protect government property and other facilities.

    She said that proper investigation would be carried out after which the suspects would be prosecuted according to the law of the land.

    On interrogation, all the suspects claimed that they were ignorant of the content in the said trucks.

  • NSCDC to deploy aircraft, drones for pipeline surveillance

    NSCDC to deploy aircraft, drones for pipeline surveillance

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is set to deploy about 500 drones and aircraft for “proper surveillance” of oil installations, its Commandant-General,  Dr. Ade Abolurin,  has said.

    He spoke yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with senior officers of the Corps as part of efforts to strengthen its operational strategy.

    Abolurin said the move was in line with the Buhari administration’s resolve to tackle oil theft headlong to boost economic revenue.

    The NSCDC boss, who decried the spate of pipeline vandalism and oil theft, said the corps was working round the clock to stem the tide.

    He said the corps was exploring ways to monitor and protect the pipelines, especially the use of technology and sophisticated gadgets to track down vandals.

    “I can assure you that we are already exploring new approaches which will include the massive deployment of technology as opposed to the outdated conventional approach you are use to,’’ he said.

    Abolurin said some drones had already been deployed  for test-run in Bayelsa State.

    Officers of the corps anti-vandalism unit, according to him, had also undergone refresher training in line with international best practice to deal with the menace.

    He said sabout 250 vandals had been directly arrested so far by the corps. Another 100 were arrested by other security agencies and handed over to NSCDC for prosecution. Thirty-five were convicted.

    Abolurin said the corps had also stepped up its protection of other critical infrastructure   such as power installation, telecommunication masts and equipment to ensure better service delivery.

    The commandant-general called on the media, host communities and other stakeholders to cooperate with the NSCDC and other security agencies to tackle the challenge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

    He said the recent promotion in the corps was transparent, adding that it followed due process.

    NSCDC, he said, would continue to do its best to ensure the security of lives and property in line with its mandate.

  • NSCDC shuts 15 illegal guard companies in Anambra  

    NSCDC shuts 15 illegal guard companies in Anambra  

    The Anambra Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has shut down 15 illegal security guard companies operating in the state.

    Assistant Commandant-General (ACG) Ben Dikuro made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday.

    Dikuro warned that the organisation would not live any stone unturned in making further arrests and closures of illegal security companies in the state.

    “We have been able to x-ray their activities and have provided the enabling environment for the licensed operators to carry out their duty within the law.

    “Those who want to operate must be licensed to do so.”

    He said the agency had created awareness of its operations and had set machinery in motion to put away vandals of national assets.

    “We have set up mobile patrol to monitor national assets, including electrical installations.”

    He said that because of the corps’ uncompromising stand, it has been able to effectively check vandalism in the state.

    “All the entry and exit points of the state are being manned by our officers to monitor movement of adulterated petroleum products.”

    Dikuro urged members of the public to see the corps as a full-fledged para-military organisation of government by providing information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.

    The commandant, however, appealed to the state government to assist in building a befitting command headquarters for the NSCDC as well as donate vehicles for patrol.

    He advised his officers to be hardworking, loyal and always appreciate God in all they do.

  • NSCDC arrests two for alleged job racketeering

    NSCDC arrests two for alleged job racketeering

    Two Sharia Court workers have been arrested for allegedly forging Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps official letterhead papers and engaging in a job scam.

    The suspects, Ibrahim Usman and Shuaibu Yinusa, who worked with the Sharia Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja, had realized N6 million from desperate job seekers whom they scammed.

    The suspects, who were paraded in Abuja yesterday, were arrested at Gwagwalada with forged appointment letters and other fake NSCDC documents.

    Usman told journalists that he had made about N6 million from the scam, adding that he extorted various amounts of money from applicants.

    He said: “I collected various amounts from different people; some paid N20, 000, some N50, 000. I told interested people in my village that there was a job opportunity and many of them brought money to me.”

    But his accomplice, Yinusa, denied involvement in the scam, saying he was arrested because he was at Usman’s house when NSCDC operatives came to arrest him.

    “I don’t know anything about this incident. I was arrested because I was at Usman’s house when they came to arrest him,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, a government committee set up to auction items seized from pipeline vandals has sold off a 33,000-litre oil tanker belonging to MRS Nigeria Ltd at an open auction in Abuja yesterday.

    The Iveco tanker with registration number, Kano XX 754 KNK, was sold for N3.9 million.

    The NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ade Abolurin, who is also the Chairman of the Auction Committee, stated that similar auctions had been carried out in Lagos, Oyo and Rivers states after all legal processes had been exhausted.

    He said: “In the course of the auction committee assignment, we maintained our integrity. If we had collected money from vandals, we would not have been carrying out auctions openly.”

  • Civil Defence chief hails Lagosians over polls

    Civil Defence chief hails Lagosians over polls

    Commandant, Lagos Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Gabriel Abafi has hailed Lagosians for their good conduct during last Saturday Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    He spoke with reporters while monitoring the elections in some parts of Ogba, Agege, Mushin, Alapere, Surulere, Itire, Somolu,Yaba, Akoka, Ogudu, Alimoso and Isolo in Lagos.

    Abafi attributed the low voters’ turn out to fear of possible breakdown of law and order.

    Lagosians, he said, displayed maturity and sensitivity to electoral issue.

    Abafi also visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Yaba, Lagos Mainland to report his findings.

  • NSCDC deploys sniffer dogs for election in Osun

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun on Saturday deployed sniffer dogs in polling units across the state to detect Improvised Explosive Devices (IDEs).

    Alhaji Tajudeen Balogun, the NSCDC Commandant in the state, told newsmen that the dogs would not disrupt the electoral process but would only detect explosive devices.

    He said they were well trained and had been part of the corps team for sometimes, adding that they were being deployed for the elections due to security situation in the country.

    The commandant said the dogs were trained to detect what the ordinary eyes could not see, saying that they were being deployed by all state commands.