Ahmed Audi, the commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Saturday confirmed the killings of four personnel by suspected sea pirates in Rivers.

Mr Audi confirmed the killing while addressing troops of NSCDC in Rivers, according to a statement issued by the state’s spokesman, SC Olufemi Ayodele, in Port Harcourt.

“Let me condole with the command and the families of our gallant men who lost their lives while on duty at Alakiri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers state.

“This is part of the hazards of the job, and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has assured that the blood of the gallant men will not be a waste,” said Mr Audi.

He urged the personnel to remain focused and courageous in their fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism despite gunmen’s attacks.

“I’ll not reveal to the public our operational strategies to bring the perpetrators to book, but we are in collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure that justice is served,” he added.

Mr Audi said the corps had already initiated the process to deliver the benefits of the deceased victims of the gruesome murder to their next of kin.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for enhancing the capacity and operational efficiency of the corps through his approvals for the provision of gunboats and improved welfare.

Mr Audi said promotion stagnation, which kept personnel on the same rank for years and inadequate emoluments, was now in the past.

He said the corps under his command and through the minister of interior had made considerable progress in getting the federal government to review salaries and personnel allowances.

According to him, payments of improved welfare packages are expected to begin as soon as the process is concluded.

(NAN)