The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo, Mr Makinde Ayinla, has warned officers and men of the Command to avoid shielding pipeline vandals or risk dismissal from the Corps.
Ayinla gave the warning last week in Benin at a meeting with stakeholders in the petroleum industry.
He said the warning was necessary as the Warri Deport of the NNPC had concluded plans to commence the pumping of petroleum product to Benin deport.
“In view of the development, officers should avoid shielding pipeline vandals and avoid any act inimical to the development of their career and the nation.
“One of the core mandates of the Corps is the protection of National Critical Assets which is not limited to oil industry, infrastructure, railways, solid minerals, minefields, telecommunications infrastructure, hydrological and nuclear infrastructure, but critical national assets as may be strategically declared by an Act of the National Assembly.
“I urge officers to discharge their assigned responsibilities with every sense of commitment, diligence and without any fear or favour and to desist from sharp practices.
“Your loyalty at all times must be to the Nation as any person found wanting will be summarily dismissed without any severance entitlement, irrespective of years already put in the service,’’ he said.
The commandant also appealed to stakeholders to serve as watchdogs not only over the pipelines, but also over personnel of the corps deployed to provide security for the pipelines.
He urged them not to hesitate to report any unscrupulous activities by any individual or groups around or within the right of ways of pipelines for prompt action.
He said the command looked forward to a more robust synergy with various stakeholders in the joint protection of oil pipelines from vandals and economic saboteurs.
Stakeholders at the meeting included; representatives of the DPR, PPMC, IPMAN, PTD, NUPENG, vigilance groups and leaders of communities where the pipelines connect.
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