The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says personnel have formulated new strategies to reduce illegal oil bunkering within two months in Rivers effectively.

NSCDC Commandant in Rivers, Michael Ogar, told reporters shortly after he took over the command of the corps that Nigeria lost over 200,000 barrels of crude oil to illegal bunkering.

“So, I am here to fight and stop illegal bunkering in Rivers. In one or two months, there will be a big difference in our achievements,” Mr Ogar said.

According to him, the stealing of crude oil from pipelines and subsequent illegal refining of the product had left severe consequences on both the environment and the health of the people.

“It is no longer going to be business as usual because there is a new sheriff in town who is not going to compromise.

“We will destroy the illegal bunkering facilities as Rivers State can no longer accommodate oil thieves,” he said.

Mr Ogar, the NSCDC commandant in Imo before his latest posting, said he would re-strategise and fine-tune the security architecture of the command to achieve set objectives.

The commandant expressed optimism that adopting a new strategy would reduce illegal bunkering to its barest minimum in the state.

“Under my command, anybody found to be involved in illegal bunkering would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted in court if found culpable.

“We are aware that there are some highly placed Nigerians involved in illegal bunkering of crude oil in the country.

“I appeal to the communities and traditional rulers to come forward with useful information about the locations of the illegal refining sites and their operators,” he said.

Mr Ogar said though NSCDC did not have the power to convict suspects, it would henceforth investigate cases thoroughly to ensure the court finds it easy to convict suspects.

(NAN)