Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested 12 suspects over alleged involvement in vandalism, oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, asured that the fight against illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State was not negotiable, warning oil theives to either desist from the act or face the full wrath of law.
Parading the suspects, Igwebueze expressed his determination to fight the menace of illegal oil bunkering activities which overtime has led to environmental degradation, pollution of land, aquatic life and health hazards.
He said the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Abubakar Audi, deployed him to Rivers State in order to prosecute the mandate of the Corps by safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructures, among others.
He also affirmed the Command’s readiness to sustain the existing synergy with other security agencies in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, while warning the anti-vandal marine personnel of the Corps to desist from any action that could smear the image of the NSCDC.
“At C4I check point in Eneka- Igwuruta road, we arrested three suspects named: Chijioke Valida (M) 40years, Ikwunze Uzodinma (M) 35years, Emmanuel Tamunokuro (M) 35years with a Black Toyota Camry LAGOS FKJ 451 FZ laden with 2,500 litres of AGO respectively.
“Based on sustained Intelligence, the Anti-vandal squad made an arrest at Okehi- Ngor/Okpala Road in Etche axis a Grey Toyota Camry Lagos FKJ 716 BG laden with 2,000litres of AGO concealed in sacks while the suspects took to their heels upon sighting our men.
“An arrest was also made at Eagle Island in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area where Uduak Thompson (M) 30years was arrested with 4,500 litres of AGO. One Mustapha Salisu (M) 27years was arrested with a Black Honda Car: KANO TRN 431AQ while conveying about 1,500 litres of AGO concealed in cellophane bags. While on routine patrol, Kingsley Israel (M) 36years and Charles Wale (M) 48years were arrested in a bus laden with 10,000 litres of crude oil concealed in sacks.
“The following suspects were also arrested at Dockyard axis in old Port Harcourt township they are: Musa Suleiman (M) 36years, Jemilu Usainu (M) 23years, Ibrahim Usman (M) 25years with 22,725 litres of AGO following a tipoff.”
He further solicited from members of the public, credible intelligence that would lead to the arrests of unrepentant vandals and oil thieves in the State.
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