Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps, Abia State command has said it will not compromise the ongoing war against oil-theft and pipeline vandalism in the country in the state.
The commandant, Usman Alfadarai stated this yesterday when two suspected oil thieves and pipeline vandals were paraded at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia, the capital.
“Anything less will dent the successes the corps has achieved under the watch of the commandant general, Ahmed Audi in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure,” he said.
He sounded a note of warning to criminals in the state to desist from their nefarious activities, “otherwise they will have the command and other security agencies in the state to contend with”.
Alfadarai explained that the suspects were arrested on Sunday, April at Shell Well Head 26, Owaza in Ukwa West local government following an actionable intelligence.
“Items recovered from the suspects include one long blue hose and 55 transparent cellophane packs containing products suspected to be crude oil.”
He said the arrest was made possible through a joint operation involving the corps, Department of State Security, and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria internal security.
“The successful arrest of the suspects, who have been on the command’s wanted list is considered as a major breakthrough in our unreserved commitment to win the war.”
The command boss, who noted that the operation was a reflection of the synergy existing among security agencies in the state, added that sample of the stolen item had been sent for laboratory test.
He, therefore, appealed to residents of the state to remain vigilant and to always avail the security operatives with useful information that will lead to arrest of suspected criminals.
Meanwhile, in their separate reactions, the suspects, both males, Samson Koki and Zakari Yakubu from Delta and Nasarawa States respectively said they were engaged by one Baba Alhaji, a northerner.
While Koki, 25, said he is a generator mechanic, Zakari 18, explained that he is a scrap dealer even as they claimed not to be aware of the gravity of the offence
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