Kings, Security Operatives Oil Thieves —NSCDC Chief

Highly placed Nigerians, including traditional rulers, security personnel and youth leaders have been accused of being involved in oil theft in the country.

The recent upsurge in illegal oil refining and pipeline vandalism in the country has been attributed to them by  the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ferdinand Esiegwu, Deputy Corps Commandant of the agency, made this disclosure in Benin City in a paper delivered at one-day seminar organised by the state Command of NSCDC, with the theme, ‘Zero Tolerance To Vandalism: A Key To Sustainable Development.’

He also disclosed that about 200,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products were confiscated in the past six months in Edo State, while over 13 tankers were destroyed by burning on the directive and supervision of the Edo State government.

Also, a total of 24 law suits were filed  by NSCDC against 37 suspects unlawfully dealing with petroleum products.

Esiegwu added that illegal refineries were discovered by men of the Command at Uluoke village in Etsako West Local Government area while appropriate action had been taken.

“Behind the syndicate are highly placed Nigerians, influential members of oil bearing communities including traditional rulers as well as youth leaders and even security personnel who are hooked to the quick returns from the filthy money they make from such illegal businesses,” he noted.

He expressed dismay about the attitude of some business moguls, persons in government, both at the federal, state and local government levels who had laid siege to its state office in Benin City to effect the release of their friends and relatives arrested in connection with pipeline vandalism.

“What is baffling is that when some of these arrests were made, highly placed individuals storm the Ugbor road office of NSCDC to say ‘please assist me and release them, they are my boys.’ They range from businessmen, persons in government, both at the federal, state and local governments. One may then ask: are these people ruling or ruining us?” he lamented.

Esiegwu called for the establishment of forensic laboratory in all the Commands of the NSCDC, particularly in the states where vandalism and adulteration are prevalent in order to facilitate forensic analysis, prosecution or release of suspects as the case may be.

He pleaded that the agency should be properly equipped with vehicles, gadgets, among others, in order to discharge its enormous mandate.

—Jethro Ibileke/Benin