NSCDC destroys 15 illegal refineries in N/Delta

THE Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Abdullahi  Muhammadu Gana, has  said that the corps has destroyed about 15 illegal refineries and dumps as it intensified operations in the Niger Delta region.

He commended the effort of the personnel as well as the Commandant of Rivers State command, Mrs Helen Amakiri, for a successful operation in the creeks, leading to the destruction of  illegal refineries  in the area.

The spokesman of the corps, Mr Emmanuel Okeh, in a statement, on Thursday, in Abuja, said Gana spoke while briefing the management team as well as the rank and file at the Corps Headquarters.

Gana charged the personnel to be resolute and committed to   effective service  delivery.

He also used the occasion to appreciate the effort of the personnel across the nation for keeping to duty and providing security during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

“I am happy with the pro- activeness and doggedness of all of you in tackling insecurity during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and I pray that you keep it up at all times to justify the mandate of the corps.”

He said that in this “ember’’ season, the corps has a lot to do, especially, in protecting critical infrastructure, adding  that the  get rich quick syndrome of the youth during “ember” period was usually high.”

“Considering the fact that instead of celebrating Christmas festival in line with the Christian doctrine, youths usually take to crime and criminalities, in trying to grab at all cost what do not belong to them, therefore, as security operatives, there is the need to re-strategise the modus operandi in order to nip in the bud such vices”.

He said staff salaries are being paid directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to individual banks through e-payment system,   adding that there was no way personnel salaries could be tampered with as alleged in some quarters.

He said that  those on loan with their banks and are seeking to change, should clear themselves of any indebtedness before applying for change.

Gana re-echoed the commitment of his administration in pursuing staff welfare with vigour, adding  that the management team was working assiduously in ensuring that staff welfare and their benefits are paid as at when due in order to motivate officers.