Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has disbanded the anti-vandal unit of the Rivers state Command following allegations of complicity in the operation of illegal refineries and oil bunkering in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued Saturday in Abuja by the Director Public Relations of the Corps, DCC Olusola Odumosu.
He said the CG has received with shock and dismay, the allegations levelled against the anti-vandal unit of Rivers State Command of the Corps by the state Governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, wherein the team was accused of aiding and abetting vandals and oil bunkerers to carry out their nefarious activities in the state.
“Worried by this disappointing development, the CG has ordered the suspension of head of the anti-vandal team and the disbandment of the unit with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an independent enquiry set up to look into the weighty allegations levelled against the unit by the governor”, the statement added.
The NSCDC boss also disclosed that the extant rules and regulations guiding the Corps operations and the general ethics of the service requires complete display of total discipline, integrity, incorruptibility, transparency and accountability on the part of every personnel, hence, the reason for this immediate action.
He further directed the Acting DCG in charge of investigation and intelligence to summon all the personnel involved to the National Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation to determine the level of involvement and or culpability with a view to dispensing justice appropriately.
Audi decried the allegations as not being in tandem with his vision for the Corps, stressing that he will not condone any criminal act or act of compromise by any personnel.
He emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and roles played by the individuals involved and whoever is found guilty would face necessary disciplinary actions and punishment.
The NSCDC boss also assured the Rivers state governor of his determination to get to the root of the matter without delay, promising more synergy with the state government.
Reiterating that his administration has come with a renewed vigour to reposition the service in line with global best practices and will not condone any act of sabotage by any personnel no matter how highly or lowly placed.
