The new Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil
Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Lagos, Mr. Donatus Ikemefuna has debunked claims by
some of corps officers, that they were directed to be attached to politicians.
Ikemefuna made the
clarification, while reacting to reports that NSCDC men had taken over security
of politicians after reports that the Inspector-General of police, Mohammed
Abubakar on February, 13, 2012, announced the withdrawal of all approved police
escort from private individuals, corporate bodies across the country.
The NSCDC boss said that
their men were only assigned to protect critical infrastructures at all levels
and collaborate with security agencies in protection of lives and property.
He however said that
some of his men were posted to local government secretariats and some
traditional rulers.
His words: “Our core
mandate is to protect critical infrastructures. We also give intelligence
reports. We have the mandate to register and control private security companies;
we have not gotten any directive to attach officers to politicians. Any officer
found in an illegal duty will be dealt with. Our slogan is ‘take bribe and
die!’ If you go where you are not sent and you are caught, you will face the
wrath of the law.”
Ikemefuna said he was
posted to Lagos to maintain peace and order, calling for the support of members
of the public in giving information on suspected persons or groups,
particularly over vandalism.
The commandant also
solicited for the support of other security agencies in the state, with a view
to provide adequate security.
On the alleged killing
of a woman by one of his operatives in Apapa area of the state, Ikemefuna said
that investigation had begun into the matter with a view to get to the root of
the matter.
Stating the corps side
of the story of how the woman was killed, Ikemefuna explained that his men went
to affect the arrest of some suspected pipeline vandals in the village, when
they pounced upon by the some youths in community and almost lynched alive.
“We saw many containers
filled with petroleum products in the village. We discovered many jerry cans
filled with kerosene in a shop owed by the deceased woman. She resisted arrest
and escaped,” said Ikemefuna.
He continued: “When the
officers felt threatened, four of them shot into the air, one after the other.
Some youths came with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons; they escaped in a
boat provided by the navy.
“We recovered about
4,000 litres of petroleum products, but we left many of them behind because of
the situation. We were surprised to hear that a woman died in the incident. I’m
wondering at what time my men shot other guns apart from the four officers.”
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