The Commander General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, disbanded the Rivers State Command Anti-Vandalism Unit, following Gov. Nyesom Wike’s allegation of illegal fueling against unit personnel.
Mr. Audi also ordered the immediate suspension of the head of the unit in the state and ordered the personnel involved to report to the command headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.
“The swift action I have taken is to close any identified gaps in our operations and service to the nation, I will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, compromise or sabotage under any pretext,” civil defense spokesman Olusola Odumosu said in a statement. Sunday statement.
“We will investigate those named in the indictments and deal with them decisively if they are found guilty to deter others.”
Governor Wike on Friday accused the civil defense team in Rivers of aiding and abetting the illegal supply of oil in the state and ordered the immediate redeployment of the team leader.
Civil defense spokesman Mr. Odumosu said the suspension remains in place pending the outcome of an independent investigation set up to investigate allegations made against the unit by the governor.
The commanding general said the accusation was shocking. He vowed to remove stray officers and realign the unit.
“Our moral principles are non-negotiable, we are going to reorganize unity and fish out those who spoil the name of the body, my fight against vandals, illegal oilmen and those who steal our collective wealth and sabotage our economy is unwavering and we will redoubled . our efforts to reduce this act of sabotage and bring to justice anyone who is out of step with our vision and mission for service,” he said.
Governor Wike also charged a divisional police officer in Rivers with operating an illegal oil refinery in the state.
Wike, who said the officer heads the police division in the state’s Emohua local government area, demanded his redeployment from Rivers state.
“He must leave this state. I can’t be governor here and the security man owns an illegal refinery. No, it is not possible. The man has to go. Take it to wherever they allow refueling,” Wike said at Government House, Port Harcourt, at a meeting with local council presidents and heads of security agencies in the state.
Police investigating Wike’s accusations – Officer
Rivers police spokeswoman Grace Iringe-Koko told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday afternoon that police were investigating the governor’s accusation against the officer.
Wike has repeatedly said that the soot in and around Port Harcourt is caused by the operation of illegal refineries in the state and has vowed to go after their operators.