The Independent Petroleum Marketers (IPMAN) is collaborating with the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to address the incessant theft and vandalism of oil related infrastructure in the country.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Babawale Afolabi and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA.
According to the statement the IPMAN National President, Alhaji, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima disclosed this when he led association’s Executives on a courtesy visit to the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi National at the corps Headquarters in Abuja.
The IPMAN President, called on the need to establish a vibrant collaboration aimed at combating pipeline vandalism, smuggling and adulteration of petroleum products and oil theft across board.
He however, commended the visionary leadership of the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi for the visible transformation and his remarkable achievements within 3 years of being in charge.
“Your visionary leadership as the CG of the NSCDC has continued to transform the Corps into a robust, efficient and one of the modern security institutions in Nigeria”
“This leadership instinct has been noticed both locally and in the international terrain. There are living testimonies attesting to the giant strides and remarkable achievements of the NSCDC especially in discharging the statutory mandate”.
“The Agro Rangers Squad, Special Female Squad, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Antivandal Squad, Mining Marshall and other special forces are doing greatly well in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure, fighting illegal dealings in petroleum products, illegal mining activities, pipeline vandalism, abduction and kidnapping of school children amongst others”.
“All these and many other reasons have informed our visit to you with the delight to strengthen collaborations between IPMAN and NSCDC because our passionate goal is that Nigeria would upscale her crude oil production most especially for local consumption’.
The NSCDC Boss Ahmed Abubakar Audi, expressed readiness of the Corps to partner with reputable organizations and institutions that have passion for the security of lives and protection of government facilities to boost the Nation’s economy and enhance its security architecture.
He noted that the nation relies on the mainstay of the economy which is Oil.
He further relayed that though the government has made remarkable efforts to diversify into other sectors, the richest part of the nation’s economy hinges on Crude oil.
The CG however set the record straight by naming specific exploits made by the Corps in the discharge of its mandate stating that over 450 illegal bunkering sites and local refineries have been dismantled while over 300 oil thieves and their sponsors have been arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“There is an emerging trend of mode of conveyance called “Cotonou Boat” which can contain about 150 drums. If you multiply that number by five to six Cotonou Boats caught with stolen crude oil: you would see how much is siphoned per time”.
“Facing court judgment are suspects arrested for pipeline vandalism and illegal dealings in petroleum products while others were caught after they already vandalized an oil well head tap into in and siphoned crude loaded in tankers with the of transporting to would-be buyers.
“We have also arrested a suspect who paved the way through the sea, punctured the Pipeline, and connected pipes through the valve directly to his residence where about 3 Trucks are loaded daily; these are reasons we should consciously make concerted efforts to salvage the nation’s economy from ruthless saboteurs”.
The Commandant General further appreciated the bold step taken by the IPMAN executives and assured them of stronger collaboration while seeking credible intelligence and actionable information which he affirmed would be treated with utmost confidentiality and secrecy.
