NSCDC arrests 54 suspected oil vandals in Rivers

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) yesterday paraded 54 suspects allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering activities.

About 170 drums loaded with AGO, 12 trucks, three boats, buses, one barge and one vessel reportedly impounded from the suspects were also displayed before journalists.

Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Muhammed Lawal Haruna, said “the anti vandal unit of the NSCDC in May 2018 arrested 11 suspects, two fiber boats and two trucks loaded with suspected adulterated AGO at Isaka and Mgbuoba in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the state.”

“In June 2018, five suspects with four trucks loaded with AGO were also arrested along Okochiri in Okrika Local Government Area. Still in July 2018 one Chinasa was arrested at Obagi community for vandalising Total Nigeria pipeline.

“Still in July, six suspects with two trucks, one bus and 170 drums loaded with adulterated AGO were arrested at Okrika and one barge loaded with crude oil were impounded at Abonema.

“In August, about 23 suspects were arrested at Akaso 14 flowstation between Tuma and Cowthorne Channel axis. A boat was also recovered.”

The NSCDC commandant said some of the suspects were being prosecuted in various courts while others will be arraigned as soon as possible.