Presidential Task Force Collaborates With NSCDC To Combat Sabotage In Oil Industry

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has agreed to collaborate with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Smuggling, Hoarding, and Diversion of Petroleum Products to use its resources and platforms to fight economic sabotage in the oil sector across the country.

Tijjani Kyari Mohammed, the task force's chairman, requested it during a meeting with Dr Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, in Abuja.

The task force, also known as Operation White, would complete its work more quickly, according to the chairman, if intelligence was shared and the NSCDC's legal resources were used (OPW).

He claimed that by doing this, it will be able to carry out its purpose and bring those responsible for undermining the oil industry's economy to account.

Mohammed emphasised that the task force and the corps would effectively cover all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in its assignment through collaboration, noting that it was essential to ensure sanity and check-cutting practises in the oil and gas sector.

The task force chairman thanked the director of the NSCDC for helping the task force carry out its duties ever since it was formed.

He criticised the smugglers' unrepentant behaviour, saying they seemed intent on undermining government operations.

He did, however, reassure Nigerians that the task team would return normalcy to the industry as soon as possible with the help of the NSCDC and other security organisations.

The Commandant General's Intelligence Squad (CGIS), which has seven border crossing locations across the nation, as well as legal assistance for the prosecution of suspects and intelligence exchange, among other things, may be needed by the task force.

Audi, who praised the work of the task force, claimed to have closely watched Operation White's actions and made a commitment to more cooperation and engagement.

The head of the NSCDC claimed that since the start of the year, the corps has taken on petroleum organised crime and secured 25 convictions, with about 100 vandalism cases still ongoing in court.

In order to help the corps faithfully complete its mission, he pleaded with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to provide the organisation with working equipment and other logistics.