The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command has held a strategic meeting with the Nigerian Navy Pathfinder with a view to redefining its strategy in the fight against criminalities and illegal oil dealings in the State.
Speaking at the Command Headquarters of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, the NSCDC State Commandant Michael Besong Ogar said the meeting was premised on the need to cement the long-term existing relationship with the Nigerian Navy.
Adding that the NN remains a critical partner in the fight against illegal dealings in petroleum products across the Coastal Region.
Commandant Ogar noted that from the series of arrests made by the Command and cases handed over for prosecution by the NNS Pathfinder, said the NSCDC Legal Department has gotten forfeitures of 39 Boats and proceeds remitted to the Federal Government’s coffers.
He also affirmed that 11 suspects have been convicted for illegal oil bunkering activities, vandalism of oil pipelines, conspiracy, and economic sabotage while 30 suspects are recently arraigned in Court.
While extolling the outstanding role of the Nigerian Navy and the degree of relationship with the NSCDC; Commandant Michael Ogar solicited for a more robust Synergy, most especially in the areas of Training and Re-training of its Personnel, sharing of Intelligence before, during, and after tactical operations that would enhance the war against criminally-minded persons who are sabotaging the Nation’s economy through illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State.
Responding, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Port Harcourt; Commodore SD Ibrahim called for a concerted effort by the Security Agencies and all critical stakeholders in the fight against illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State which he said had overtime erupted into environmental degradation, health hazards and pollution of the Marine life.
He maintained that the war against vandals would not be limited to arrests of suspects on the waterways alone but also extended to their sponsors and would-be buyers of the products noting that with thorough investigation the prosecuting agencies must dig deep into such cases to unravel the numerous actors behind the crime.
DSC Olufemi Ayodele, Spokesperson NSCDC, Rivers State Command added in his statement that the Commander, NNS Pathfinder has promised to give maximum support to the NSCDC Rivers State Command in capacity building for effective service delivery, Intelligence gathering, Joint operations and unrelenting war against pipeline vandalism in order to rid the Nation’s economy from saboteurs.
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