The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has paraded six suspected vandals for petroleum pipeline vandalism and theft of premium motor spirit.
NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu gave details of the arrest at the vandalism site at Pagada I, Dobi Ward, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Dr Odumosu, revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines were vandalised by male suspects between the ages of 20 and 32.
He said that the command’s Anti-Vandal Squad acted on credible intelligence and tip off concerning suspicious activities around the pipelines.
According to him, exhibits recovered were two motorcycles, two locally fabricated firearms, four 25-litre jerrycans filled with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).
“Other exhibits are: two empty jerrycans, shovel, hand drilling machines,” he said.
He added that six of the suspects were initially arrested while scooping and loading PMS into Jerrycans and plastic bags from pipelines punctured with drilling machines.
He further said that preliminary investigation and interrogations disclosed that the suspects had studied the geography of the land and knew the exact spots where buried pipelines with fuel residue were.
“An indigene of Pagada I Village where the crime occurred, allegedly invited two of his friends from Lambata area to participate in the crime.
“It was also revealed that three vigilante members were involved and they allegedly aided the criminal activity by providing support and security cover for the vandals to operate freely,” he disclosed.
The FCT Boss, reaffirmed that efforts were ongoing to identify, trace and apprehend other syndicate members who may be involved in the act.
The Commandant, said that the Nigeria Petroleum Storage Company had been informed of the vandalised pipes for further actions and sealing of the pipes.
Odumosu reiterated that the corps will not condone any form of oil pipeline vandalism, economic sabotage and theft of petroleum products.
“We condemn in strong terms any form of vandalism in the FCT; be it manhole covers, crash barriers, bridge aluminium, streetlights, armoured cables, transformers, railway sleepers and so on.
“It is a deliberate and intentional act of economic sabotage intended to undermine, damage and cripple our nation’s economy.
“The activities of these vandals do not only contribute to products scarcity and environmental degradation but also put the lives of residents and other agricultural activities within the area at risk of fire explosions,” he said.
He said that anyone caught destroying public infrastructure for their selfish economic gains will be dealt with according to the extant law.
The commandant, called on residents to provide credible information to the corps as he assured that appropriate actions will be taken.
He urged community leaders to sensitise villagers on the need to see security operatives as their friends and provide timely credible information as at when necessary.
“Any information you give us is safe and criminals will be dealt with duly,” he assured.
“When you see something, say something and we will do something,” he added.
Dobi Ward Councillor, Gado Shuaibu thanked the corps and members of the community for their efforts made to ensure vandalisation was eradicated within the community
“You came all the way due to your commitment and actionable leadership to see that this doesn’t repeat itself,” Shuaibu said.
The councillor advised community members to desist from any form of vandalism, stressing that he would not bail anyone apprehended.
The Village Chief, Abubakar Ibrahim,
assured of robust collaboration between the community and security agencies.
Signed:
DSC Monica Ojobi
FCT CDPRO.
