Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, says it has arrested 19 suspected vandals attempting to vandalise a pipeline operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Rivers State.
Parading the suspects, NSCDC Commandant in Rivers State, Michael Besong Ogar, said the suspects were arrested in a joint operation with the operatives of the Military, Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services.
Ogar gave the names of the suspects as Chibuike David, Stephen Williams, Mekalachi Okpara, James Grateman, Rachael James, Godwin Chineletam, Cameroun Eke, George Kingsley, Harrisoa Igbo, Azubuike David, Unity Onue, Bestman Philip, Progress Goodnews, Chigozie Sunday, Godbless Morris, Izuma Ezekiel, Henry Jonah, Promise Okpara, Chibuike Ezechukwu and others.
“The NSCDC Rivers State Command operatives in a joint operation with the military, Police and the DSS attached to Abilli Integrated Service Limited arrested about 19 suspects while attempting to vandalise a Nigerian Agip Oil Company pipeline.
“They were apprehended along a Toyota Sequoia SR5 with registration number Abuja RSH645KZ in conveyance of illegally refined AGO, one hacksaw, a Toyota camry with number plate Lagos ET441LSR, a Toyota Sequoia V8 with registration number Lagos BDG590CX laden with illegally refined AGO, a Honda Accord with plate Kaduna AH978MKK with 100 litres of illegally refined AGO concealed in cellophane bags, a pump action rifle and two cartridges,” he said.
The NSCDC boss in Rivers State also said operatives of the Corp apprehended a large wooden boat laden with unquantified litres of AGO, adding that no arrest was made as the suspects abandoned the boat and dived into the river on sitting the Command’s anti-vandal marine team.
He added that the Command has also arrested four other suspects for conspiracy, advance free fraud, illegal possession of ammunition, obtaining by false pretense and other criminal offences.
“Let me assure the people of Rivers State that we will continue to fight against crimes and criminalities in the state; all the suspects would definitely have their time in court. Our goal is to make the environment conducive for business to thrive without mayhem, chaos, or breakdown of law and order.
“We will continue to fight against oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities to savage the nation’s economy from saboteurs even as we solicit for the support and cooperation of the public by giving actionable intelligence and information that would assist us to nip in the bud all criminal acts so that the state can be a safe haven for all dwellers,” he added.
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