NSCDC backs officers caught in viral Ondo gas video, says operations was lawful
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State has defended its officers featured in a viral video allegedly abusing gas retailers in Akure, the state capital. The
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State has defended its officers featured in a viral video allegedly abusing gas retailers in Akure, the state capital.
The command said the operatives were conducting a lawful enforcement operation, not engaging in "extortion" as claimed online.
The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, showed a man and a nursing mother reportedly his wife, accusing some NSCDC overzealous personnel of rough treatment while trying to confiscate gas cylinders and scales.
In a statement on Wednesday, NSCDC Ondo spokesman Daniel Aidamenbor said the officers were carrying out a routine compliance check with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
He noted that the viral clip did not capture the full context of the encounter.
Aidamenbor said the couple failed to present valid NMDPRA licences for their gas retail business and resisted the confiscation of equipment, forcing officers to apply what he described as "minimal force" to complete the operation.
"In the viral videos involving a man and a woman, they could not provide the license to deal in Petroleum product by NMDPRA when the officers demanded it. They allegedly stated that they had already made payment to a particular agency of government (not NSCDC).
"Attempt to confisticate the scale and cylinder were resisted by both of them. This prompted the officers to apply minimal force to get the assignment done.
"It should be noted that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. The officers were on a lawful assignment, and the citizen's civic responsibility is to obey the law of the nation. Attacking, inflicting body injury, and obstructing them from carrying out their lawful duty is punishable under the law," Mr Aidamenbor said.
He added that obstruction of lawful enforcement duties is punishable under the law.
While defending the officers, the NSCDC confirmed that the State Commandant has ordered a full investigation, and the personnel involved have been recalled for debriefing.
Read Also: NSCDC arrests two clerics over alleged abuse of minors in Ondo
The command also urged the public to report any evidence of extortion or abuse of power by officers.
"The State Commandant has zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct. He has, however, directed that a full-scale investigation into the incident be carried out while the officers have been recalled to base for debrief.
"If anyone has evidence of extortion or abuse of power against personnel of the NSCDC in Ondo State, the person should report to the command through the office of the public relations officer," he added.
Aidamenbor further said the NSCDC has intensified public enlightenment campaigns via Radio Nigeria and Positive FM to educate residents on legal gas retail operations and licensing requirements.
The viral video has drawn mixed reactions online, with some residents questioning the conduct of the officers, while others support stricter enforcement of safety rules in the state’s gas retail market.
