Civil Defence Secures 2 Convictions, Nabs Suspected Diesel Thief

The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has secured the conviction of two persons for vandalising critical national assets in Okpella, Etsako East local government area.

The corps also arrested a suspect for allegedly stealing diesel from a telecommunications facility in the state.

CSC Efosa Ogbebor, public relations officer of the command, disclosed this in a statement in Benin yesterday.

Ogbebor said that the convictions underscored the command’s intensified crackdown on economic saboteurs and its commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.

According to him, five suspects were earlier arraigned before a court over the vandalism of critical national assets in Okpella.

“Two of the suspects have been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment each, while the remaining three are still in custody pending further judicial proceedings.

“These outcomes reflect the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding government infrastructure and protecting national economic interests.”

Ogbebor also disclosed that the command had arrested a young man in connection with the alleged theft of about 60 litres of diesel from an IHS Towers facility in Utesi, on the outskirts of Benin.

He said the arrest followed reports of repeated theft incidents at the facility.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the suspect was apprehended on Saturday through a joint operation involving the command’s security team and local vigilante operatives.

He noted that preliminary investigations were ongoing to verify statements obtained from the suspect and to identify any accomplices involved in the crime.

He reiterated the resolve of the command under the leadership of the state Commandant, Akintayo Saidi to sustain intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements.

“The NSCDC wishes to reiterate that it will not relent in its efforts until all economic saboteurs are identified, apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law through due process,” he said.