NSCDC Intensifies War Against Pipeline Vandalism

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has declared war against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and oil pipelines vandalism in the State.
Addressing newsmen at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the State Commandant, Michael Besong Ogar said: “There is no going back in the arrest and prosecution of pipeline vandals, oil thieves and their sponsors.
“The Command under my watch will continue to pursue the illegal oil bunkerers from their hideouts, dismantle their dumps and prosecute suspects arrested according to the extant laws of the Federation”.
Ogar said out of the 16 suspects arrested for their involvement in illegal oil dealings, eight of them were arrested by the Rivers State Command, Antivandal Land Patrol, at different locations across the State.
“Following a credible Intelligence, these suspects, Abubakar Babangida Jinadu (M) 33years, Mohammed Ibrahim Kabir (M) 30years, and Gombejo Musa (M) 45years, were intercepted and arrested at Obi Wali International Conference Center along Eliozu/Air Force Road in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of Rivers State, while conveying a White Howo 911 Truck with number plate ABUJA ABC 764 XD laden with unquantified litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in cellophane and packed in sack bags.
“In addition, one Mathew Ani (M) 27years was arrested at Port Harcourt Mall (SPAR) along Azikiwe road in Port Harcourt. He was intercepted in an ash Colour Volkswagen Car with registration number RIVERS BNY 471 NL laden with 3 drums (750litres) of illegaly refined AGO.
“Consequently, during our routine patrol, the Antivandal land operatives impounded a Big white Bus with Registration number LAGOS BDG 903 XZ laden with illegaly refined
AGO concealed in cellophane bags at Nonwa axis of East/West road, Tai Local Government Area in Rivers State.
“The suspects upon sighting our men abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels”.
The Command’s Antivandal Land Patrol Team at New Road, Mgbaraja, Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, also impounded 2 cars with number plates LAGOS APP 382 FB and ABIA ABA 56 HA laden with about 5 drums (1,250litres) of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil popularly called Diesel, the Commandant said.
The State NSCDC boss further confirmed the taking over from the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS), Port Harcourt, another eight suspects arrested for illegal dealings in petroleum products.
They were conveying three wooden boats laden with unquantified litres of AGO and 1 fibre boat laden with 19 drums of AGO.
He noted that the official taking over of the suspects was meant to enhance further investigation and prosecution by the Command in tandem with the NSCDC Act 2003, as amended in 2007, and the provisions of the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedure on Arrests, Detention and Prosecution of vessels and Person’s in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment 2016.
Ogar led newsmen to an Oil dump located at Agbada 1 Aluu, Igwruta. Ikwerre Local Government Area where Taminu Mohammed (M) 34years, Stanley Onyekwelu (M) 34years, and Sunday John (M) 27years were arrested with a White – Dark Brown colour Mack Tank-Truck with registration number BAYELSA SAG 181 XA.
“Upon further investigation our operatives also discovered at the dump site, 170 Tanks, out of which 35 were loaded with AGO, which totalled 35,000 litres. We also recovered 22 unused tanks, 113 other empty tanks, 2 long and short empty Iron tanks and One (1) Generating Set.
“Recall that we have reiterated overtime that any compound, building or site where illegal oil bunkering activities are discovered would be sealed by our men and subsequently forfeited to the Federal Government hence, that is what will happen here”, he stated.
Commending the Synergy amongst sister security Agencies and NSCDC in the State, Oga said effective collaborations and intelligence sharing are panacea to combating the menace of Oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
He affirmed that having confessed to the crime, the suspects would be prosecuted in the Court of competent jurisdiction, while the dump site and mode of conveyance such as Trucks, Buses, Cars, Boats and their contents would be forfeited and proceeds remitted to the Federal Government Coffers.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso