NSCDC COMMENCES "OPERATION FLUSH OUT VANDALS" NATIONWIDE

NSCDC COMMENCES "OPERATION FLUSH OUT VANDALS" NATIONWIDE

The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammed has directed Officers and Men of the Corps to flush out criminals and vandals at all cost from the Nigerian State, to protect and preserve the country's Critical Infrastructure and other National Facilities that are vital for National growth.

Abdullahi noted, that this directive is in line with the constitutional responsibility of the Civil Defence, as our core mandate is to protect the National Assets of the country. Any act inimical to their safety and continuous functioning will be wiped out.

In a swift compliance to the Marching order, the Operations Directorate of the Corps has mobilised personnels in the Anti-Vandal (AV) unit, Special Weapon and Arms Training (SWAT) unit, Mobile Surveillance Van (MSV) unit and Special Duties (SD) unit, to unleash mayhem on vandals and criminals alike nationwide. Early this morning, the combined team of strongmen gathered for a special drill to position them for the great task ahead.

Speaking during the drill session, Commander of the operation, Commandant Mohammed Lawal Haruna, explained  that the session is to put the Officers and Men in very top shape, and also send the "red alert" signal to all miscreants on the Nigerian soil that they are already in danger. Haruna pointed out, that since the operation is of a high risk which requires technological know- how and intelligence, he disclosed that the Officers and Men have been briefed properly on the duty ahead to obliterate vandals.

As part of the tactical exercise, the Officers and Men in a Mock War show went round the Abuja metropolis to herald their formidable presence and their readiness to make our National Assets safe.

Frowning at the present Penal code and Criminal code, and the nature of punishment it approves for punishing vandals of critical infrastructure, where offenders are sent to low prison term, and in some cases are given option of fine, have made vandals not to feel any pain concerning their evil activities in the society.

The NSCDC is therefore advocating a re-look at the penal and criminal codes, calling for stiffer penalty as deterrent to vandals and criminals. The Agency is also calling for the establishment of special mobile courts with miscellaneous laws for speedy trials of vandals and criminals who have made it a habit to inflict destructions of high magnitude on the Country's Critical Infrastructure nationwide.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC has destroyed 3 illegal refineries in Portharcourt, 4 in Bayelsa State. In the same vein arrested 5 suspects and apprehended 3 trucks loaded with stolen petroleum products in Delta State, and arrested 4 suspects in Enugu State in connection with vandalization of oil pipelines.

In the same light, "Operation Flush Out Vandals" has fully commenced Nationwide.

DCC Emmanuel Okeh

CDPRO