Abia NSCDC sacks illegal refiners, strengthens peace, conflict resolution unit

Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has said its Anti-Vandal Team in Ukwa West Council dislodged several operators of illegal refineries in the area.

NSCDC Commandant in the state, Ayinla Taiye Olowo, told The Guardian that the NSCDC also strengthened its Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit and that the command was now better positioned, not only to resolve issues among willing parties, but also prevent conflicts from snowballing into major crisis.

He said the development was informed by its commitment to the protection of life, property, critical national assets and public infrastructure.

Olowo described the illegal refiners as economic saboteurs whose captured operation tools were destroyed even as they were still being trailed for arrest and prosecution.

He disclosed that due to the command’s destroy and occupy strategy, the illegal refiners had not been able to regroup, adding that their operational tools were destroyed.

He attributed their success in the state to synergy with other security agencies, the state government and some residents.

Specifically, he disclosed that the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, provides and empowers the command with the operational logistics and what he termed emergency logistics.

Olowo, who pointed out that the command lacked operational vehicles and accommodation for staff members, among others, pleaded with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to redeem his pledge of donating vehicles to the command.