The Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Imo state command, and the state chapter of the Independent Crude Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, have vowed together to fight pipeline vandals in Imo.

The NSCDC state Public Relations Officer, PRO, Chmeziri Lowell, disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri on Sunday.

According to the command, “It was historic and unprecedented at the state headquarters of the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) lmo state command as the chairman, Independent Crude Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (ICOMAN) Imo State Chapter, Engr. Obi Chuks Ifeanyi and his executive members paid an reserved courtesy visit to the state commandant, Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) lmo state command, Commandant Mathew S. Ovye.

“The visit was centered on establishing a synergy between the two organizations and to ensure maximum protection of government critical national assets and infrastructure, especially in the oil sector.

“Mr. Obi highlighted the need for ICOMAN to partner with NSCDC in the fight against oil theft since it is the mandate of NSCDC to protect oil pipelines across the federation. He further asserted that his team as a matter of importance will never hesitate to give or release relevant intelligence to NSCDC regarding to oil theft and vandalism across the State.

“In his words, the state chairman said “we have come to seek for your collaboration and cooperation because ICOMAN will not thrive or function effectively without your support Mr. Obi concluded by commending the efforts of officers and men of the Corps for always displaying a high level of professionalism in discharging their duties in the state.”

Responding, Imo NSCDC Commandant Matthew Ovye, who granted the request of the ICOMAN boss for partnership, said: “The fight against oil pipeline vandalism is a battle of no going back, we must sanitize the oil sector, we are leaving no stone unturned, it is the mandate of NSCDC and there’s 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.”