•Says security operatives at multiple checkpoints, not NSCD officials

Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has parade two suspects caught impersonating NSCDC personnel with the intention to extort unsuspecting members of the public of their hard earned money and personal effects, whilst in possession of dangerous weapons and causing public obstructions.

The two suspects: Mr Lucky Emofuoreta (m) 22yrs and Mr Goodness Osorochukwu Francis 25yrs (m); were arrested at about mid night, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime, red handed, as they were fully kitted in uniform similar to that of the NSCDC regalia.

Dsc Emeka Peters disclosed that the two suspects were apprehended at an illegal checkpoint along Jedo Road in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, in the process of extorting money from the unsuspecting road users, particularly truck and tankers drivers.

The Delta State NSCDC PRO listed items recovered from the suspects to include one Honda Odyssey bus with registration number KPR 113 SX, (gold colour) used for their operations, one handcuff, a pair of jungle booth and two jack knives, amongst other unlawful items.

The two suspects were nabbed following the implementation of an order by the State Commandant, Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun,.

In response to complaints by members of the public regarding the issue of security operatives at multiple checkpoints wrongly perceived to be men of the NSCDC, Abiodun ordered the Head of Department (HOD), Intelligence and Investigation, to deploy plain cloth officers on routine patrol and surveillance across the state to fish out the impersonators.

NSCDC personnel from the Intelligence and Investigation Department, deployed for the surveillance patrol, acting on a tip off, swooped on the two suspects and arrested them.

Dsc Emeka Peters used the opportunity to reiterate that security operatives manning such multiple checkpoints on the roads were not NSCDC officials. “The 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 practices and standards. The NSCDC, only mount and maintain strategic check points 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, the PRO explained.

He maintained that the NSCDC have 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.

Dsc Emeka Peters assured the public of continuous efforts by the Command geared towards 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.” “Residents with useful information about a criminal activity should visit any of the 25 Divisional Offices, or the NSCDC Formations across the state and the state headquarters, Asaba,” he appealed, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

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