The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested 19 suspects over their involvement in oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Michael Ogar, who decried the defiance of oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerer noted that in spite of the continuous sensitization and relentless war against economic sabotage in the nation, oil theives have blatantly refused to change their ways.
Ogar maintained that sequel to the reconstitution of a new Antivandal Team of the Command, the Marine and land Patrol operatives has commenced full operations with a renewed vigour, professionalism and tactics in wagging war against the menace of Vandalism of oil pipelines and oil theft in Rivers State.
He stated that the 19 suspects were arrested in different locations within the state, assuring that all the arrested suspects would be charged to court, while the Command would do everything possible to unravel, chase and apprehend their sponsors, to serve as deterrent to others.
As directed by the NSCDC Director General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, a marching order was given to the marine and land operatives to massively arrest pipeline vandals and illegal oil dealers in the State and this has enhanced our doggedness in the series of arrests made by the Command.
“The Marine and land Patrol team arrested 19 suspects at different locations in the State; four Suspects named: Peter Udo ‘M’ 20years, Benjamin God’s power ‘M’ 16years, God’s gift Nicholas ‘M’ 19 years and Goodness Sunday ‘M’ aged 19 year were arrested with one wooden boat and a 40 HP outboard engine along Bakana River.
