No fewer than ten suspects have been arrested and paraded by the Rivers Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for alleged pipeline vandalism, illegal dealings in petroleum products and other crimes.
This was made known by the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt.
According to the commandant, five out of the ten suspects were apprehended by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army Port Harcourt.
Igwebueze revealed that 44 metal pipes, 4 cylinders containing nitrogen gas, one wooden boat with a 25 horsepower engine were recovered from the suspects along Kryo community, near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of the state.
In addition, the commandant disclosed that five other suspects were arrested and handed over to the NSCDC by personnel of Six Division, Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, with three motorcycles, two wheelbarrows filled with Automotive Gas Oil and a 1,000-meter large industrial pumping hose.
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He stated, “The following five suspects: Aniebiet Pascal, 22, Nnadi Ogbonna, 23, Ifeayin Delight, 25, Sunday Benjamin, 22, and Okechukwu Finbar, 20, were apprehended by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four cylinders containing nitrogen gas, one wooden boat with a 25 horsepower engine along Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“In another development, five other suspects were also arrested with three Motorcycles, two Wheelbarrows filled with Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), and a 1,000-meter large Industrial Pumping Hose.
“They were arrested and handed over to NSCDC Rivers State Command by six military intelligence Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
The anti-vandal unit of the NSCDC, while on routine patrol at Mother Cat Roundabout, Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt, also impounded a vehicle laden with illegally refined AGO concealed in cellophane bags abandoned by suspects who are currently being trailed.
Igwebueze revealed that a thorough investigation has commenced and that the suspects will be charged in court, while the products and means of conveyance will be forfeited and proceeds remitted into the federal government reserves.