The Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammed, who announced the setting up of a Special Task Force to clamp down on vandalism and illegal bunkering, said the Corps, as at December 2015 identified and destroyed over 200 illegal refineries in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Kogi, Ondo, Cross River and Akwa Ibomstates, among others; adding that over 120 suspects who were involved in the act of sabotage and other associated crimes were prosecuted and sentenced to various prisons terms by high courts in their respective states. The NSCDC boss who stated this in a release made available toNews Express, by the Command Public Relations Officer, ACC Emmanuel Okeh, noted that the action wasin line with the corps’ mandate to protect critical infrastructure and national assets, with a view to stemming the tideof vandalism, illegal refineries, oil theft, and illegal bunkering in the country.

He added that about 250 suspects are still undergoing prosecution in states’ high courts, with over 80 trucks containing petroleum products impounded, and several operational equipments belonging to suspected vandals recovered.

The corps helms man, while charging the Special Task Force on their responsibilities in tracking down vandals and operatives of illegal refineries, also directed State Commandants to cooperate and work in synergy with the Commandant-General’s Special Task Force assignedto their respective commands, for thespecial operation charged with clamping down on illegal dealers on petroleum products, vandals, illegal refineries, illegal bunkering, marketers involved in diversion of petroleum products.

He said: “The operation also extends to filling stations selling above approved government pump price, hoarding of products, those involved in black marketing and racketeering,as well as other related crimes for prosecution in line with the law of the federation.”

Abdullahi, therefore, charged the task force and operational officers to live up to expectation by justifying the confidence the government and people have for the corps, by ensuring that vandalism is reduced to the barest minimum.

He used the opportunity to appreciate all the JTF, other securities agencies and stakeholders, particularly the Chief of Naval Staff, for the support, synergy and good working relationship with the NSCDC in prosecuting the war against vandalism.

He also warned potential vandals to desist or relocate from the country as the corps will deal decisively with anyone caughtwhose act is inimical to the state.