Author: kelechi ogunleye

NSCDC arrest 4 suspected vandals, recover firearm in Kwali, Abaji

Vandals
By Kelechi Ogunleye
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, have arrested four suspected vandals in Kwali Area Council of the territory.

A statement released on Thursday by the spokesperson for the command, Samuel Idoko, indicated that one AK-47 rifle was discovered in farmland in Abaji, Abaji Area Council of the territory.

Idoko said in the statement that one of the suspects was nabbed while removing an armoured cable at the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), adding that his arrest led to the apprehension of the three others.

He added that the suspect’s confession upon interrogation led to the successful recovery of more stolen cables from a market where they had been taken for sale.

According to him, the suspects, aged between 20 and 35 years will be prosecuted if found guilty in tandem with Section 3 of the NSCDC Act.

“This section empowers the corps to arrest, detain, and prosecute in the name of the Attorney General of the Federation,” he said.

Idoko said that in another development, men of the Anti-Vandal Unit of the command recovered an AK-47 rifle without the magazine on a farm in Abaji while on patrol.

“The farm owner alerted the men on patrol. He said he discovered the rifle on his maize farm in the morning when he went to work.

“The rifle has been taken to the command’s headquarters for safekeeping and further investigation,” he said.

The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu commended the command’s anti-vandal team for its gallantry and commitment to protecting the country’s critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of FCT residents.

Odumosu charged the team not to rest on its oars but to redouble its efforts at dislodging vandals by effecting more arrests.

He praised the farm owner for alerting the operatives on patrol upon discovering the rifle and not keeping it to himself.

He urged citizens to emulate the “patriotic spirit” exhibited by the farm owner by promptly reporting any crime or suspicious movements and activities in their communities to security agencies closest to them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/CEO/YEE

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(Edited by Chidi Opara/Emmanuel Yashim)

Arrest
By Kelechi Ogunleye

Abuja, June 19,2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday said that 14 persons were arrested for allegedly stealing crude oil in Abia.

A statement by the NSCDC Spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi in Abuja stated that the suspects operated an illegal refinery in a forest at Umelehi, Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

Afolabi said that after the arrest of the nine male and four female suspects by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGsSIS), the illegal site got dismantled.

He said that the Commander of the Squad, Apollo’s Dandaura, attributed the successful arrest to the credible intelligence provided to the corps by well-meaning Nigerians.

“Our operatives were strategically positioned due to the quantity of already siphoned crude oil which were loaded in locally fabricated cooking ovens for refining into Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

“Some had been refined into Kerosene and AGO with both stored in GP tanks, cellophane bags and many sacks,” he said.

The spokesperson pledged that thorough investigation would be carried out to ascertain the level of involvement of the suspects.

According to Afolabi, some of the recovered exhibits were; generator sets, pumping machines, hoses, galvanised metal pipes, shovels, head flashlights, cellophane bags, bags of cement among others.

He reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC to safeguarding all critical national assets.

The NSCDC spokesman said that the corps would prosecute the oil thieves and their sponsors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/DEB
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FG restates commitment to power infrastructures protection

Infrastructure
By Kelechi Ogunleye
Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to adequately protect Nigeria’s power infrastructures against vandals.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said this on Friday in Abuja at the inauguration of the second batch of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.

Tunji-Ojo said the ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Power to stop power transmission and generation points vandalisation.

“”It is not acceptable for millions of dollars to be spent on power and then we have them vandalised as no country grows without a good power sector.

“We will take this sector by sector and get to the agricultural sector which will ensure food security.”

The minister said he would ensure that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure in all sectors is realised.

“We have seen the result of the first batch as the revenue in the mining sector has improved. However, there is need to train more to ensure all mining critical infrastructures are properly secured.

“In the solid minerals sector we are winning the battle, although we have not won yet, but we are winning gradually because there is nothing inappropriate in Nigeria that cannot be made right by Nigerians.

“I challenge you as a corps to keep to your word to protect every asset of government and defend Nigeria and hand over to generations after you,” Tunji-Ojo said.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said that the operations of illegal miners had displaced legitimate miners.

Alake, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, said that the integration of the Federal Mines Officers and the Marshals across states would sanitise the sector.

“No one could have imagined the plight of licence owners who can neither engage in the exploration or mining of the cadastral units of their licences because bandits had defied the law by occupying such places illegally.

“Since the inauguration of the mining marshals, we have provided relief by deploying the squad to successfully recover such places and enable the owners to resume legitimate businesses.

“The illegal haulage of minerals has come under scrutiny as arrests are made daily and the culprits face prosecution in the courts of law,” Ogbe said.

NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi said that the newly inaugurated 350 mining marshals would swing into action immediately having undergone eight weeks of intensive training.

“You are expected to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, absolute loyalty and to eschew unethical conduct capable of dragging the corps in the mud as anyone found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.

“It is no longer news that the nation’s security, especially in the mining sector, is being threatened by the nefarious activities of illegal miners, bandits, kidnappers, terrorists among others.

“Illegal mining operations has not only led to shortchanging the government but also led to loss of revenue, environmental pollution, degradation and health hazards,” he said.

Audi said that safe legal mining operations would attract and encourage genuine local and foreign investors to engage in mining activities in Nigeria.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KAYC/DCO/IS
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Ismail Abdulaziz

Personnel

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 5,112 personnel to beef up security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) toward Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

This is contained in a statement signed by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in FCT, Mr Babawale Afolabi, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the Afolabi, the NSCDC Commandant in FCT, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has directed officers and men of the corps to ensure the six area councils in the territory are adequately protected.

He said that, to ensure a hitch-free celebration, emphasis was placed on protection of sensitive locations, soft targets, black spots and flash points  prone to criminal activities.

“ We have deployed all our special forces such as the Armed Squad, Intelligence and Under Cover Officers, Counter Terrorism Unit, Female Strike Force, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), and Agro Rangers to ensure  maintenance of law and order,” the official said. 

Afolabi warned miscreants, vandals and other mischief makers to steer clear of critical national assets and infrastructure.

He said that the corps would not hesitate to bring the full wrath of the law on anyone caught or found culpable.

He cautioned against burning of tyres on roads, saying that it affected the integrity of roads and, therefore,  constituted an act of vandalism.

He urged the personnel to be committed, vigilant, responsive and resolute in  ensuring a territory devoid of security breaches or threats.

“There is no room for carelessness or over zealousness while carrying out your duties.

“Operational order must be followed to ensure professionalism on your part,” he said.

He assured the residents of continuous synergy with sister agencies to provide adequate security.

The commandant felicitated Muslim faithful in FCT as they would celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, and prayed  that the Almighty would accept their sacrifices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/CHOM/IGO 

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

NSCDC FCT Commandant seeks regulation of pantaker markets

Regulation
ByKelchi Ogunleye
Abuja, June 10,2024 (NAN) Dr Olusola Odumosu, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has called for the regulation of Pantaker markets in the territory.

He said this while addressing personnel on Monday  at the NSCDC FCT Command Headquarters.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that pantaker is an open market where scrap and used items of any type are sold or exchanged for monetary purposes.

Odumosu said that, it was imperative for the FCT administration to regulate pantaker markets in the territory as intelligence gathered revealed that most vandalised items end up in pantaker markets for sale.

“With the proliferation of pantaker markets all over the city, and the suburbs, criminals have ready markets to sell vandalised metals, iron, aluminium, armoured cables, scraps and other stolen items which has increased the spate of vandalism of public properties in the FCT.

“There is a need to address pressing concerns related to the sale and purchase of second hand goods in pantaker markets which currently lacks comprehensive and diligent oversight.

“Regulation, monitoring and enforcement of compliance with government policy will help curb to a reasonable extent the cases of vandalism of infrastructure in the territory,” he said.

According to him, proper regulation will not only help to curb the excesses of criminally minded dealers who receive items from vandals of public facilities, it will also foster economic stability by ensuring that only legitimate activities and authentic products are bought or sold in the market.

“Unregulated markets for used items poses inherent risks to consumers and undermined the integrity of it’s commercial operations.

“It is imperative that we establish clear rules and guidelines to protect properties of individuals and that of the government. ”

“Proper regulation has the potential to enhance marketplace accountability, and will help security agencies in identifying and bringing criminals who engage in acts of vandalism and theft to book,” Odumosu said.

Odumosu said that the recent completion of projects and the successful commissioning of various infrastructure by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike calls for improved service and a renewal of strategy against destruction of government property.

“It is therefore our collective responsibility as a Command to ensure the protection of these infrastructure which is a fulfilment of the ‘renewed hope’ promise of this current administration,” he said.

He also said that there was a need for his officers and men to redouble their efforts in the protection of critical infrastructure in the territory.

The Commandant further said that he had charged the Command’s Intelligence Department to increase its searchlight on the activities of the pantaker markets with a view to arresting identified accomplices of vandals and violators of the market standards.

He however warned that anyone caught attempting to sell vandalized or stolen  items in these markets would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Command’s helmsman called on members of the public to assist the Corps by reporting any suspicious activities or persons attempting to vandalise any public infrastructure.

“This infrastructure provided is meant for the good of all, therefore, every member of the public has a duty to protect them from vandals,” he reiterated.

Odumosu congratulates the FCT Minister for the laudable projects he has completed and commissioned in the FCT.

“I want to congratulate the Minister for his doggedness and commitment to infrastructural growth.

“He has indeed lived up to his reputation of being Mr Project, as he has given FCT a new look,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Oil theft: NSCDC destroys illegal refinery, arrests 3 in Rivers

Refinery

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says it has arrested three suspects at an illegal oil refinery in Rivers.

This is contained in a statement by Babawale Afolabi, the corps spokesperson on Monday in Abuja.

Afolabi said that the illegal bunkering activities site was located at Nembe/Odagwa Creek in Etche LGA of the state.

He explained that a large dug-out reservoir constructed and padded with tarpaulin which could contain 100,000 litres of illegally refined crude oil was uncovered at the site.

He also said that the alleged suspects were currently assisting with all necessary information and would be charged to court after thorough investigation.

”Upon sighting our operatives some of the suspects abandoned the illegal bunkering site and took to their heels manoeuvring through the creek,” he said.

He commended some citizens who had constantly provided information to the corps and encourage them not to relent in giving actionable Intelligence that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

”Our commitment to rid the nation of all acts of economic sabotage in the oil region remains firm and we will not be deterred.

”We advice those engaging in such unscrupulous business to repent or face the full wrath of the law,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/DCO/EAL

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Ekemini Ladejobi

NSCDC apprehends wife of suspected pipeline vandal in Rivers

Firearms

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Abuja, June 1,2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested the wife of a suspected pipeline vandal and possession of two fabricated guns in Rivers.

This is contained in a statement by NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Babawale Afolabi on Saturday in Abuja.

According to the PRO, the corps got an intelligence tip-off concerning some pipeline vandals residing at Idia/Ogburu waterside settlement camp, located around a multinational company in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Onelga, Rivers.

He said that the operation by the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGs SIS) led to the arrest of the suspect while others  including her husband are currently at large.

Afolabi said that the suspect confessed during interrogation that the firearms and incriminating exhibits found in the hut where she was apprehended belonged to her husband who had been in the illegal oil business for two years.

He added that items recovered from the site included; two locally fabricated pistols, one generator, stainless steel saws, thread sealing tapes, spades, shovels.

“Four different welding machines, drilling machines, wellhead valves of different sizes, cables, two functioning smartphones, four non-functional phones, one power bank among other items.

“The suspect and all exhibits have been handed over to the Intelligence Department of the Rivers  Command for further investigation and possible prosecution”.

The Spokesman cautioned citizens to desist from any act that could be of economic sabotage to the nation.

‘Culprits would be made to face the wrath of the law hence the public is advised to engage in meaningful businesses and cooperate with the government,” he said.

Afolabi urged Nigerians to provide credible and timely information to security agencies when in doubt or suspicion of security activities within and around their domain.

He said that the Corps being the lead agency in the protection of all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure remains committed at the national, state and local government level to ensure the safety of lives and property.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza