The Corps, during the same period destroyed 71 illegal refineries and 22 illegal oil bunkering sites, and 134 trucks impounded.
The Commandant General, NSCDC, Ahmed Audi stated this on the occasion of the World Civil Defence Day with the theme ‘The role of information technologies in risk assessment’, on Wednesday, in Abuja.
Audi noted that with technology, risk assessment and crime detention has been made easily, adding that the Corps is meeting up with challenges of modern crime fighting and management.
He explained, “Prior to this time, disaster management, risk assessment, crime detection and prevention, protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure like Petroleum Pipelines, Electrical Installations, Communication Equipment, Roads, Railways and others were relatively difficult but today, there is significant improvement.
“The Corps has chosen appropriate protocols and controls to mitigate risks, create and implement emergency plans, monitor potential threats that could lead to disaster and prioritize the protection of humans and assets with the highest value.
He said the Corps maintained a dogged fight against the activities of criminal elements such as vandals, economic saboteurs and oil thieves with the use of advanced technologies.
He added, “Consequently, between January 2022 and to date, over 546 suspects have been arrested, 429 under prosecution, 51 convicted, 71 illegal refineries destroyed, 22 illegal oil bunkering sites destroyed, 134 trucks impounded, 36 boats and other equipment used in perpetrating illegal oil bunkering confiscated.
“Due to the appreciation of Modern Information and Communication Technology, the Corps under my watch has upgraded its ICT center with state of the art facilities to meet up with challenges of modern crime fighting and management.”