Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), yesterday, ordered its anti-vandal squads to scale up its clamp down on crude oil thieves nationwide.
Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, gave the order at the quarterly conference and review meeting of all state commandants in Abuja. He said the decision followed President Bola Tinubu’s order that all security agencies nib in the bud the challenge of oil theft and attendant consequences .

He said: “Recall that Mr. President had earlier stated in very clear terms that his administration will no longer tolerate crude oil theft and has given a marching order to security agencies to end the menace.

“As the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), we are obligated to key into this policy direction by further strengthening our anti-vandalisation drive.

“I am therefore issuing a fresh order to all state Commandants to rejig and re-energise their anti-vandal and intelligence units to effectively execute this presidential order.”

While charging the state commandants to live up to expectation, Audi said: “Let me remind you of my earlier directives and standing order to re-strategise and take proactive steps to enhance operational efficiency and better performance at the state Command level. While some have keyed into this, others seem to be foot dragging.”

“You are to note that your continued stay in that position is dependent on your performance. Be reminded that the Corps is blessed with a pool of capable and intelligent officers. You are, therefore, expected to redouble your efforts to justify your continued retention in that office.”

Giving update on progress made so far by the female squad in the area of protecting schools from kidnapping, the CG said the squad has foiled over 50 kidnapping attempts since they were assigned to protect the schools from kidnappers.