The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has praised the visionary leadership of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Dr. Audi was commended for the remarkable transformation and achievements of the Corps within his three-year tenure.
During a courtesy visit to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, IPMAN National President Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima and his executives discussed the need for stronger collaboration to combat pipeline vandalism, smuggling, adulteration of petroleum products, and oil theft. The visit was detailed in a statement by CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC.
Alhaji Shettima lauded Dr. Audi’s leadership, noting the Corps’ evolution into a modern and efficient security institution. He highlighted the success of special units such as the Agro Rangers Squad, Special Female Squad, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Antivandal Squad, and Mining Marshall in protecting critical infrastructure and combating illegal activities.
“Our visit aims to strengthen collaborations between IPMAN and NSCDC, driven by our goal to enhance Nigeria’s crude oil production, especially for local consumption,” Shettima stated.
Dr. Audi expressed the Corps’ readiness to partner with organizations dedicated to national security and economic stability. He emphasized the importance of the oil sector to Nigeria’s economy and noted the government’s efforts to diversify into other sectors.
Highlighting the NSCDC’s achievements, Dr. Audi reported the dismantling of over 450 illegal bunkering sites and local refineries and the arrest of more than 300 oil thieves and their sponsors. He also discussed the emerging trend of using “Cotonou Boats” for crude oil theft, underscoring the significant quantities involved.
Dr. Audi shared specific cases of pipeline vandalism and illegal oil dealings, including an incident where a suspect connected pipes from a punctured pipeline directly to his residence to load trucks with stolen crude. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to protect the nation’s economy from saboteurs.
The Commandant General appreciated IPMAN’s initiative and assured them of a stronger collaboration, seeking credible intelligence and actionable information to enhance their efforts against oil theft.
