The Anti- Vandal Team of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, has arrested two suspected pipeline vandals.
The suspects who gave their names as Modestus Anyika ’35’ and Godwin Mezie ‘42’ were arrested along Osisioma axis of the Enugu/ Portharcourt Expressway while conveying about thirty-three thousand (33,000) litres of suspected Petroleum Products.
Exhibits allegedly recovered from the suspects include, One Mack Truck without registration number and one locally fabricated Valve for fixing on the Petroleum pipeline
According to a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, Ndukwe Agu Egwu, the arrest was made possible following an actionable intelligence which was properly analysed and time utilized.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operate with valves with which they siphon Petroleum products into a waiting truck in a nearby bush.
The statement said, “These suspected vandals have been behind the vandalism of pipelines along Obehe in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.
“This arrest is considered a breakthrough for the Command in her unreserved commitment towards tracking down the cartel that has been a nightmare to the area who also have been exposed to many hazards due to their illegal activities.”
It further revealed that the two suspects have volunteered useful information that will lead to the arrest of others at large.
The Command said the suspects will be charged to a Court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigations for diligent prosecution.
