How Rivers NSCDC Nabbed, Paraded 20 Oil Theft, Vandalism Suspects

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, paraded within the week not less than 20 suspects for various offences ranging from pipeline vandalism, illegal dealings on petroleum products and other crimes.
Spokesman of the NSCDC in the State,Olufemi Ayodele, said the arrest is one of the huge successes of the State Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, who assumed office recently.
He reiterated the State Commandant’s quest to ensuring the effective discharge of the NSCDC statutory mandate and the need for strong collaboration with sister security agencies.
Underscoring the importance of a strong security system, he pointed out the need for intelligence sharing for a virile security operation in the State.
He told newsmen that five suspects were apprehended in Okrika Local Government Area along Alakiri waterways.
Spokesman of the corps who gave the names of the suspects as Aniebiet Pascal, male, 22years old: Nnadi Ogbonna, male, 23years old; Ifeayin Delight, male, 25years old; Sunday Benjamin, 22years old; in Port Harcourt and Okechukwu Finbar, 20years old; male.
He said they were apprehended by 29 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four cylinders containing Nitrogen Gas, one wooden boat with 25 horse power engine along Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of the State.
In another raid assisted by the Nigerian Army, five suspects were also caught with three motorcycles, two wheel barrows filled with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 1,000 meters large industrial pumping hose.
The suspects were arrested and handed over to NSCDC, Rivers State Command by military intelligence officers at the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt as further investigation and possible prosecution are underway.
At the Trans Amadi area of the city, the Anti-Vandal Unit of the corps impounded some vehicles at the Mother Cat axis of the metropolis, being abandoned by suspects who are currently being trailed by the Corps Intelligence Unit.
A gold colour Toyota Camry car with number plate, Rivers AJ 770 DBU, laden with illegally refined AGO, concealed in cellophane bags, a white and black Futon bus Registered as, Ebonyi XA 637BKL, laden with eight plastic drums of illegally refined AGO”.
While on routine patrol around town, the command’s Anti-Vandal Unit further impounded seven vehicles that include a gold colour Toyota Avalon Camry car with registration number, Abia 573RA; a light Green Toyota Camry, Lagos LND 926 AP, a black Toyota Avalon Camry car, Lagos EKY 487 DA, an ash colour Toyota Corolla with number plate Rivers GGU 240 AA, a Toyota Avalon Camry car, Lagos APP 330 DE, a Navy Blue Toyota Avalon Camry Car with registration number Akwa Ibom KET 62 AV, a Navy blue Toyota Avalon Camry car, Lagos AKD 938 AV; all laden with illegally refined AGO, concealed in cellophane bags.
Also impounded were 15 drums of AGO, concealed in 26 sacks filled with AGO, and 11 kegs (25litres each) of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
With the success recorded so far, the corps spokesman stated that the new commandant is poised to beef up security in protecting Federal Government-owned revenue assets, training, supervision and monitoring of the private security guard companies, disaster management, amongst others.
In ensuring effective discharge of the NSCDC’s statutory mandate, he stressed that strong collaboration with sister security agencies cannot be over-emphasised.
He further sought for a strong security system driven by intelligence, hence, the success of security operations in the State.
The Rivers State NSCDC helmsman disclosed that thorough investigation has commenced and after which the suspects would be charged to court, while the products and means of conveyance would be forfeited and proceeds remitted into the Federal Government coffers.
He warned unrepentant illegal oil bunkerers to desist from such heinous act or face the full wrath of the law.