Concerned with the increasing incidences of oil theft and illegal bunkering, Dr. Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has expressed concern with the attitude of some corps officers who have been found liable in some of the recorded cases.
Audi, who spoke yesterday at a meeting with the State Commandants and chiefs of the agency’s anti-vandal sections in Abuja, cautioned that any officer found guilty of compromising his duty would be dealt with accordingly.
He stressed that the service has no tolerance for mediocrity, laziness, nonchalance and incompetence and would therefore not hesitate to take appropriate action.
“Let me sound a warning note that the corps has no room for mediocrity, sloth, nonchalance, or ineptitude and will not hesitate to take necessary measures,” he said. We have formed a commission of inquiry to look into these reported incidents, and anyone found deficient and responsible will face harsh punishment.
“As commanders of anti-vandalism forces, you are required to have a strong sense of responsibility, commitment, devotion, and dedication to duty.”
“We will not sit back and watch if you do not live up to expectations because there is already a general perception that security agencies are also involved in this unfortunate situation of oil theft, which is why this meeting has been called to make it absolutely clear that anyone involved will not be spared but severely punished.”
“We have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), a code of conduct, and other standards in place that may be used to impose punishments.” So, if you joined the corps with the intention of making money by working with oil thieves and illegal laborers, we will resign you immediately since this corps is not for you, and we mean it.
“Obviously, today’s gathering is not a day for speeches and hyperbole.” I summoned you here to express my disapproval and disgust with some commanders of anti-vandal units and their squads’ attitude toward work.”
The CG stated that the president had requested that the matter be addressed, and that the corps had received instructions from the Minister of Interior that anyone detected obstructing government initiatives would not be let off the hook.
“There are signs that certain of the anti-vandal units in various states have been found inadequate in the fulfillment of their responsibilities as the corps administration has received allegations of carelessness and collusion on the part of some of them,” Audi added.
He stated that “it appears some elements in the system are working to draw the corps backwards from realising the expected gains from our efforts to eradicate or reduce to the barest minimum incidences of oil theft, bunkering, and oil pipeline vandalism, among others,” despite several initiatives and proactive steps taken by the corps under his watch to stem the tide of oil theft and vandalism, such as the Commandant Generals Special Intelligence Squad.
“Let me declare unequivocally that the corps management will not condone any behavior that might jeopardize the corps’ integrity,” he cautioned.
