…Reveals NSCDC Arrested Over 2,000 Vandals, Oil Bunkerers In One Year
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vowed to ensure any official involved in allegations surrounding convicted cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, is punished.
Speaking during a media chat on Friday, the minister vowed that no one found culpable would be shielded, regardless of their rank or position.
Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse, allegedly spent his time in an apartment outside of the custodial facility.
The discovery sparked outrage, prompting the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to suspend several senior officers to ensure an unhindered investigation into the matter.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated.
“Let’s be patient. Investigation is ongoing, but be assured that nobody will be protected,” he stressed
The minister expressed confidence in the investigative committee led by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior. The panel, which included members of the civil society, was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation.
Speaking on the activities of vandals, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the progress made by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in combating crime.
He stated that over the past year, the NSCDC has arrested 2,254 vandals and oil bunkerers, with 550 currently facing prosecution and 122 convictions secured.
Also, he stated that 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps were destroyed as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt organized crime networks.
On the private security sector, the minister noted that 115 licensed companies are now operating legally, noting that the sector generated a revenue of N861,620,500m, and 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training. He added that the agency is also in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies.
Tunji-Ojo also said the government’s Mine Marshal initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Steel, aims to curb illegal mining and boost national revenue.
He also spoke on the training and promotion of security personnel. In the past year, 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to the senior officer cadre. The efforts, according to the minister, are aimed at building a more capable and motivated workforce.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the National Safe School initiative, designed to ensure a secure learning environment for students across the country.
“In addition, the NSCDC disrupted organised crime networks by destroying 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps.
“The reform of the private security sector has also yielded impressive results. 115 licensed companies are now legally operating, and we are in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies. Moreover, a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue of ₦861,620,500.
“In alignment with our economic diversification goals, we launched the Mine Marshal initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel to combat illegal mining and boost national revenue. This is just one example of our commitment to reducing dependency on the oil industry.
“Our personnel have received extensive training to maintain readiness in the face of evolving security challenges. Over the past year, 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to senior officer cadre, ensuring a motivated and capable workforce. We have also prioritized the National Plan on Safe School initiative, providing a secure environment for our children to learn without fear”, he stated.