The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it took delivery of 10 suspects allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering and vandalism in Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Corps said of the ten suspects, five were arrested by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four cylinders, and exhibits and handed over to the Rivers State Command of the NSCDC Command in Port Harcourt
The other five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal bunkering by soldiers of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation.
The NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Igwebueze, also disclosed that NSCDC operatives on routine patrol impounded nine vehicles abandoned by suspects who are on the Command’s trail along the Trans-Amadi axis of Port Harcourt.
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 29 Battalion Nigerian Army port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four Cylinders containing Nitrogen Gas, one wooden boat with 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 6 military intelligence Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
Continuing, Igwebueze said, “The Antivandal Unit of the Command while on routine patrol at Mother Cat roundabout, Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt also impounded the following vehicles being abandoned by suspects who are currently being trailed by our undercover personnel.”
He listed the vehicles as ‘a Gold Colour Toyota Camry with number plate Rivers AJ 770 DBU laden with illegally refined AGO concealed in cellophane bags, a White and Black Futon Bus Registered as EBONYI XA 637BKL laden with 8 plastic drums of illegally refined AGO. ‘
The State NSCDC boss also said while on routine patrol its Antivandal Unit further impounded seven cars, including, a Gold Colour Toyota Avalon Camry with registration number ABIA 573 RA, a light Green Toyota Camry LAGOS LND 926 AP.
Others, Igwebueze, disclosed are, ‘a Black Toyota Avalon Camry LAGOS EKY 487 DA, an Ash colour Toyota Corolla with number plate RIVERS GGU 240 AA, a Toyota Avalon Camry LAGOS APP 330 DE, a Navy Blue Toyota Avalon Camry Car with registration number AKWA IBOM KET 62 AV, a Navy Blue Toyota Avalon Camry Car Lagos AKD 938 AV.
According to him, all the cars were laden with illegally refined Diesel concealed in cellophane bags.
He added, “We also impounded 15 drums of AGO, 26 concealed sacks filled with AGO, and 11 Kegs (25 litres each) of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).”
While noting that a thorough investigation has commenced, the State NSCDC helmsman said the suspects would be charged to Court, while the products and means of conveyance would be forfeited and proceeds remitted into the federal government coffer.
Igwebueze warned those he described as ‘unrepentant’ illegal oil thieves to turn over a new leaf or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
Igwebueze reiterated the corps’ willingness to collaborate with sister security agencies, stressing that the NSCDC would not rest on its laurels in safeguarding all critical national assets and Infrastructures in the state.
