The Commanding General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, on Saturday confirmed the killing of four personnel by suspected sea pirates in Rivers. Audi confirmed the killing of the deceased officers while he was addressing the troops of the NSCDC Command in Rivers. , according to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Olufemi Ayodele, in Port Harcourt.
He told staff that despite attacks by gunmen, they should remain focused and brave in their fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“Let me express my condolences to the command and families of our brave men who lost their lives while on duty at Alakiri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“This is part of the risks of the job, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has assured that the blood of these brave men will not be wasted.
“I will not reveal to the public our operational strategies to bring perpetrators to justice, but we are collaborating with sister security agencies to ensure justice is served,” he said.
Audi said the force had already started the process to hand over the benefits of the deceased victims of the gruesome murder to their next of kin.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for improving the capacity and operational efficiency of the corps through his approvals for the provision of gunboats and improved welfare.
“Therefore, it is important that the staff continue to give their best with utmost loyalty, dedication and discipline in our service to the nation.
“Despite the challenges, I am committed to overcoming the legacy challenges and we have already made progress in eliminating all promotion delays and payment arrears.
“Some of the achievements we have made are the introduction of professional development courses and promotion of officers to a new rank solely on the basis of merit and performance,” he added.
Mr Audi said stagnant promotions, which kept staff at the same rank for years, as well as inadequate emoluments, were now a thing of the past.
He said the force under him and through the Home Secretary had made considerable progress in getting the Federal Government to review staff salaries and benefits.
According to him, payments of enhanced welfare packages are expected to begin as soon as the process is concluded.
“I therefore ask the new recruits currently undergoing training to remain focused, fit and agile, while I remain steadfast and dedicated having served in the force for 27 years.
READ ALSO: Independence: NSCDC deploys 3,000 troops in Abuja
“The success of any official lies in diligent service, commitment and loyalty to the country.
“The force has introduced standard operating procedures and a code of conduct to monitor, correct and punish erring officers, including dismissal, demotion and punishment,” he told the recruits.
(YAYA)
