ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC has cautioned the public to be weary of multiple checkpoints mounted by some persons, saying check points are not created by the agency.
The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC Delta State Command, Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime, stated this at the state headquarters in Asaba during the parade of two (2) suspects caught impersonating the NSCDC personnel with the intention to extort unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned substances, whilst in possession of dangerous weapons and causing public obstructions.
He said that the agency has well-trained and highly respected personnel who is a friendly, and well-organized security agency of the federal government which prioritizes the welfare of the civilian populace as well as ensuring the protection of the citizenry and public infrastructure.
Dsc Emeka Peters said that the two suspects Mr. Lucky Emofuoreta (m) 22yrs and Mr Goodness Osorochukwu Francis 25yrs (m) were caught red-handed fully kitted on uniform similar to that of the NSCDC regalia, at about 2300hrs(midnight). They were apprehended at an illegal checkpoint along Jedo road in Okpe LGA of Delta State in the process of extorting money from unsuspecting road users particularly truck and tanker drivers. An act that falls under the core mandate of the NSCDC.
He stated some Items recovered from the two suspects are One Honda Odyssey bus with registration number KPR 113 SX, gold colour used for their operations, One handcuff, a pair of jungle both, and two jack knives amongst other unlawful items.
On the complaints by members of the public regarding the issue of multiple checkpoints wrongly perceived to be men of the NSCDC, the State Commandant Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun, has ordered the HOD Intelligence and Investigation to deploy plain cloth officers on routine patrol and surveillance across the state to fish out the identities of those involved, which had led to the arrest of the two suspects following an intelligence tip-off from men of the NSCDC.
Dsc Emeka said NSCDC operates within the law with total observance of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry and its officers conduct themselves in the best international practice and standards.
“The NSCDC, only mount and maintain strategic checkpoints statutorily with NSCDC branded operational vehicles as part of the continuous efforts at mitigating or checkmating the menace of product diversion, adulterated products, crude oil theft, and vandalism of national asset or installations in the state.” He stated.
The public relations officer maintained that the NSCDC has sustained and maintained a robust relationship, synergy, and mutual collaboration and cooperation with all sister security agencies in the state and has zero tolerance for crimes in pursuance of its mandate.
He assured the public of the continuous efforts by the command geared toward the protection of life and property and to assist in maintaining peace and order in the state, pointing out that the ongoing Surveillance patrol exercise by personnel of the corps across the state would be sustained. He urged the public to say something when they see something.
He called on rresidents with useful information about criminal activity should visit any of the 25 Divisional Offices, or the NSCDC Formations across the state and the state headquarters, Asaba. He affirmed that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.
