The new commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State, Basil Igwebueze, has vowed to fight illegal oil bunkering and other vices in the state.
The commandant said this while addressing journalists in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
Igwebueze said the fight against illegal bunkering is in line with the corps’ mandate, as statutorily enshrined in its enabling laws.
He regretted that the illicit oil trade has resulted in environmental degradation and a dwindling economy and vowed to fight it head-on.
“We cannot afford to tolerate a dwindling economy and a degrading environment caused by illegal bunkering.
He said, “We will, therefore, address the situation to restore normalcy so that the economy can soar “, he stated.
He submitted that the command under his watch would ensure that unregistered private guard companies do not operate in the state.
He also said that the command would synergise with other security agencies in line with its mandate while providing the state government with reliable intelligence.
“We will provide requisite, credible and reliable intelligence that will help the government to address the fundamental challenges in the area of insecurity so that citizens can go about their legitimate businesses without fear of attack.”
However, he advised command staff members to remain professional and ethical in conducting the constitutional assessment.
