In a bid to eradicate the menace of oil pipeline Vandalism, oil theft and illegal dealings in or with petroleum products in Rivers State, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant Abu Tambuwal has reaffirmed his commitment to combat all acts of economic sabotage noting that suspects would be charged to court after thorough investigation by the command.
Tambuwal who spoke with the news men at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt lauded the Nigerian Navy and other sister agencies for the unanimous decision to vehemently resist and combat illegal dealings in petroleum products both on lands and waterways. He maintained that the overall cooperation of every stakeholder is very pertinent if illegal oil bunkering activities would be put to a stop.
Speaking on the successes achieved so far, the Command helmsman said many arrests have been made and judgement obtained in cases filed at the court with the requisite jurisdiction- the Federal High Court. He relayed that the command’s Antivandal Squad has been further directed to increase her operational efficiency by arresting those dealing illegally in petroleum products on waterways, border areas and illegal refineries.
” I sincerely appreciate the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi for the provisions of necessary support by deploying more personnel and security apparatus needed in pursuant of the war against oil theft in Rivers State; the Anti-vandal Squad has been ordered to carry out massive arrests and dismantle oil bunkering dump sites across the state and this we will do without compromise or prejudice,” he said.
He also saluted the relentless and dogged determination of the Governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike in enhancing the operational capacity of the security agencies.
He advised all perpetrators of illegal dealings in petroleum products must engage themselves in legitimate businesses or risk being arrested and prosecuted according to the provisions of the laws of the federation.
Tambuwal further noted that the diverted 50,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) impounded by the Anti-vandal Border Patrol Team has been returned to Omo Wealth Filling Station at Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State as indicated on the waybill at the point of arrest.
