NSCDC Arrests 8 Oil Bunkers, 4 Pipeline Vandals In Delta

By Kenneth Orusi, The Nigerian Voice, Asaba
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No fewer than 12 suspects with offences bordering on illegal dealing of petroleum products, vandalism of oil pipelines and other critical national assets including power lines have been nabbed.

Parading the suspects before journalists in Asaba, which includes 11 male and a female who escaped custody, the Delta state commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Dr. Eze Benito, told newsmen that their arrest was in collaboration with other sister security agencies.

He warned criminal elements in the state who find pleasure in vandalizing government assets to relocate or would dance to the tune of the music when the long arm of the law catch up with them, “I advise people who still have that intention that they should either stop such nefarious activity or relocate. Offenders caught in the act will face the music of the law.

“The officers and men of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, Delta State command are going to leave no stone unturned to ensure that criminals and criminality most especially in the areas of our mandate is fought to a standstill”, Dr Benito vowed.

He revealed that a total of 9 trucks including a truck belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), secured six convictions ranging from two years jail terms to five years and forfeiture of seven trucks and tankers with 33, 000 loaded capacities, warning those specialized in illegal oil business to steer clear from such illegality.

While giving the name of the female who escaped from custody as Amaka Amuzie, who was apprehended in Ughelli axis, he said the suspect deals on illegal petroleum products, vandalism and operating without license.

Others are Abubakar Musa, 34 years and Idris Ahmed, 36 years for conspiracy, illegal dealing in petroleum and operating without valid operational license, “their truck DAF truck with registration number TRN 935ZG, 5600litres of diesel concealed in polythene bags and evenly in four compartments of the truck”.

Also, the command arrested one Joshua Apome, 33 years for tampering with electric plant and fittings while two rolls of 16mm of black core cable wire were recovered from him.

Dr Benito, disclosed that investigations are still on going and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as they conclude investigations.