The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has threatened to arrest and prosecute personnel engaged in corrupt practices and reckless use of firearms.

The Bayelsa State NSCDC Commandant, Mr Desmond Agu, says the warning is directly from the Commandant-General of the corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu.

He specifically cautioned operatives attached to the Taskforce on Oil and Gas in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Agu warned against engaging in acts capable of dragging the image of the outfit to the mud.

Giving the warning at the Command Headquarters in Yenagoa, he said that the security outfit would not spare anybody going against its rules of engagement.

The commandant further urged personnel to conduct their activities in the taskforce with a high sense of professionalism and integrity.

He warned them against reckless use of firearms, insisting that the rules on the use of weapons must be strictly adhered to.

Agu said that the NSCDC frowns on the abuse of human rights, noting that the agency’s code of conduct and ethics relating to the civil populace must guide the operatives’ activities.

“This meeting is to remind you of the need to conduct your activities with a high sense of professionalism and responsibility.

“The corps is very serious about our integrity and we cannot tolerate any action capable of tarnishing the image of NSCDC.

“If you compromise our principles, just know that we won’t spare you.

“We do not tolerate misuse of firearms. So, you must at all times remember our rules of engagement and strictly adhere to them.

“We have our Code of Conduct and Ethics, especially as it relates to the civil populace.

“We won’t take any violation of human rights in your operations kindly.

“Anybody who goes against our code of conduct and rules of engagement and uses his firearms indiscriminately will be disgraced, dismissed and prosecuted. We are not joking,” he reiterated.

Agu, however, lauded the personnel attached to the task force for their sacrifice and patriotism to stop sabotage and vandalism of critical national assets in Bayelsa State.

He also commended the state government for their support for the corps and praised coordinators and civilian components of the task force for risking their lives to safeguard oil installations in the region. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows NSCDC Commandant-General, Abdullahi Muhammadu.

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