The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has said over 6, 000 people lost their lives in the last five years due to fire that resulted from pipeline vandalism in the country.
Commandant General of the corps, Dr Ade-Abolurin, who disclosed this in Lagos at the anti-pipeline vandalism workshop organized by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also said economic loss due to vandalism to the country in the last 13 years was severe.
Abolurin said his agency has been up and doing in checking the activities of vandals but expressed regrets that the corps is still challenged by the non recognition and support from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
He also said the agency is challenged by duplication of statutory functions and other logistic issues.
Abolurin advised the NNPC/PPMC to maintain synergy with the security agencies charged with the mandate of protecting pipelines while conscious efforts should also be made in isolating pipelines from residential environment.