The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating economic sabotage, particularly those involved in illegal petroleum activities. In a statement released by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, on Wednesday, the squad emphasized that perpetrators of such crimes will face stringent action.
During a press briefing at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura, commander of the CG’s SIS, outlined the urgent need to address the rampant issues of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining. “Those involved in these illicit activities will find no refuge; we are determined to smoke them out of their hiding places,” he asserted.
Dandaura highlighted a recent operation based on credible intelligence that led to the discovery of a punctured delivery pipeline in the Komkom community of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State. This pipeline is crucial for transporting crude oil, and the illegal actions of vandals had severe implications for the nation’s economy.
Upon arriving at the crime scene, NSCDC operatives found that the culprits had tampered with the pipeline by connecting valves and had deployed a long industrial hose, measuring approximately 700 meters, to siphon crude oil directly. “We observed multiple illegal connection points that had been temporarily disconnected,” Dandaura detailed, underscoring the sophisticated nature of the sabotage.
The CG’s SIS recovered key evidence at the site, including heavy-duty industrial hoses and connection valves, which will be instrumental in their investigation. The discovery underscores the organized and brazen manner in which these economic saboteurs operate, posing a significant threat to the nation’s resources.
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Dandaura stressed that under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the NSCDC is engaged in a relentless campaign against pipeline vandals and oil thieves. “Our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests is unwavering, and we will continue to intensify our efforts across the nation,” he declared.
It bears mentioning that the implications of these illegal activities extend far beyond the immediate financial losses; they also pose environmental risks and disrupt the livelihoods of communities that depend on these resources. The NSCDC’s proactive stance aims not only to curb these illegal operations but also to foster a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians.
