FG disbands NSCDC anti-vandal unit, road blocks

The Federal Government has proceeded with the immediate dissolution of the anti-vandal unit of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) across the country.

According to the government, the dissolution was due to the uninspiring performance of the unit in the past few months and the need to cleanse and bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the operations of the unit.

The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, announced the dissolution shortly before a meeting with 36 States Commandants and the FCT Commandant as well as top Management Members of the Corps at its headquarters in Abuja.

He said the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, approved the disbanding of the unit, adding that all unapproved roadblocks mounted by NSCDC personnel across the country are also dissolved with immediate effect.

Audi explained that following unprecedented reports of crude oil thefts, vandalism of critical national infrastructures, and collusion of some personnel with criminals, the government had come to the inevitable conclusion that the present Anti Vandal Unit cannot deliver to it’s purpose.

While a thorough examination and probe of the actions of its employees allegedly involved in collusion and collaboration with criminals is continuing, he asserted that the Corps will stop at nothing to bring those responsible for illicit activity within its ranks to justice. Before beginning the discussion with the States Commandants, Audi briefly spoke with reporters and told them that any employees who were found to be lacking at the conclusion of the ongoing investigation will suffer the proper consequences.

According to him, the government cannot continue to stand by as criminals drain the nation’s resources while those in charge of their protection either do nothing or cooperate with the offenders.

The head of NSCDC further claimed that the widely circulated video showing its employees extorting money from defenseless Nigerians was being looked into and affected parties shall be judged according to the laws of the land.