Crude oil marketers in Imo are partnering the state command of the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to curb oil theft in the state.
Mr Ifeanyi Obi, Chairman, Independent Crude Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (ICOMAN), Imo chapter, said this when the executive of the association visited the Imo NSCDC Headquarters in Owerri, on Tuesday.
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Obi said that the visit was aimed at establishing synergy between the association and the NSCDC.
He said that it was to ensure maximum protection of critical national assets and infrastructure especially in the oil sector.
He said that the association deemed it necessary to partner the NSCDC in the fight against oil theft since NSCDC had the mandate to protect oil pipelines across the federation.
The chairman assured the NSCDC that the association would continue to release vital information to it regarding oil theft and vandalism across the state.
“As partners in progress, we have come to collaborate, cooperate and partner with the NSCDC because ICOMAN will not thrive or function effectively without your support,” he said.
Obi commended the efforts of the officers and men of the corps for always displaying a high level of professionalism in discharging their duties in the state.
Speaking, the Imo Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Matthew Ovye, thanked the association for the partnership.
He described the fight against oil pipeline vandalism as “a battle of no return” and urged the association not to relent in supporting the corps.
“We must sanitise the oil sector, we are leaving no stone unturned; it is the mandate of the NSCDC and there is no room for compromise.
“Imo State is one of the oil producing states in Nigeria, therefore, we are ever ready to fight these economic saboteurs,” he said.
Ovye, however, advised lmo residents to only engage in legal businesses while warning miscreants in the state to desist from their vices or face the wrath of the law