By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State Command has paraded ten suspects over the alleged vandalism of pipelines, illegal dealings in petroleum products, and other crimes.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, while addressing journalists, said that five out of the ten suspects were apprehended by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, with 44 metal pipes, four cylinders containing nitrogen gas, one wooden boat with a 25 horsepower engine, along Kryo community, near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
According to him, the five other suspects were arrested and handed over to the NSCDC by personnel of Six Division, Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, with three motorcycles, two wheelbarrows filled with Automotive Gas Oil, and a 1,000-meter large industrial pumping hose.
He revealed that a thorough investigation has begun and that the suspects will be charged in court, while the products and means of conveyance will be forfeited and proceeds remitted into the federal government reserves.
The Commandant cautioned those, who he described as ‘unrepentant’ illegal oil thieves to turn a new leaf or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
Igwebueze also noted that in ensuring the effective discharge of the Corps statutory mandate, the need for strong collaborations with sister security agencies cannot be overemphasized.