NSCDC deploys technology in combating vandalism, oil theft

THE Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Muhammadu Gana, has disclosed the Corps has deployed technology in the fight against oil theft and vandalism of critical public infrastructure in the country.

Gana, who noted that the technology has helped in tracking criminal elements in their hideout, warned that there would be no hiding place for the saboteurs of the national development efforts.

He spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open a two-day workshop on security and protection of corporate and national critical assets and infrastructure, organised by the Corps in collaboration with Ancor Technologies Training, for NSCDC personnel.

He commended the effort of the Nigerian Army in supporting the Corps in the actualisation of its core mandate of protection of critical national infrastructure and assets across the country.

Gana, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of operations, Mr Madu Kelechi, said one great achievement of the Corps was the ability to reduce the incidence of pipeline vandalism, which has created boost for the oil production in Nigeria.

He expressed concern that the nation’s critical infrastructures have been constantly under attack and that there was the need for the Corps to up the game in order to effectively eliminate this threat.

He added that the crime trend in Nigeria, especially terrorism, insurgency, piracy, vandalism, oil theft,  kidnapping among others have exposed the nation’s facilities to danger of being attacked hence the need for 24-hours surveillance.

“There is no doubt that key critical infrastructures are the driving forces behind the social and economic development of a nation.

“Therefore, it is the responsibility of us as critical stakeholders to strategies and work out modalities for addressing security threats to our national assets and other natural disasters that threaten their very existence,” he said.

He said similar training programme would be organized for the state commands of the Corps across the federation.