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NSCDC arrests 28 suspects over pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering

Abdullahi Gana, Commandant General of NSCDC

*The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps pledges to continue delivering on its core mandate of protecting pipelines and government’s critical infrastructure in Abia State

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In its efforts at curbing undue misappropriation of the country’s commonwealth, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia Command, in Abia State, has arrested 28 suspects in connection with oil pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering across the state from September 2020 to date.

The Commandant, Vincent Ogu, said this in his maiden news conference Tuesday, December 8, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Ogun stated that 20 of the suspects were already being prosecuted in the court of law.

According to him, the remaining eight, including four that were arrested Friday were being investigated and would be arraigned at the end of the exercise.

The four suspects arrested were arrested in a truck with Registration Number MGU7585A, at Ubakala Junction, in Umuahia axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway enroute Enugu, said the Commandant.

The Commanded identified the oil theft suspects as John James, Nwile Chukwuma, Sunday Mangu and Nwoke Sunday.

He further revealed the seized truck was conveying a petroleum product suspected to be diesel, concealed in 50 sack bags, each containing two nylon bags with 25 litres of the product.

Ogu noted the suspects loaded some bags of sawdust on the petroleum product as a smokescreen to deceive operatives of the corps on patrol

The commandant added that “preliminary investigation” by the NSCDC showed that they did not have the licence to deal in petroleum products in the country.

The product they conveyed had no waybill or meter ticket, he stated, saying that the truck had no haulage permit to convey petroleum products.

The suspects admitted committing the crime out of ignorance and pleaded for leniency.

The NSCDC boss pledged that the Command under his watch would continue to deliver on its core mandate of protecting pipelines and government’s critical infrastructure in the state.

Ogu also warned criminals to relocate out of Abia State, or be prepared to face the wrath of the law henceforth.

The Command as well had deployed its operatives to strategic locations and flashpoints in the state to enhance security of lives and property during the approaching Yuletide celebrations.

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