The Edo State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has foiled an alleged attempted pipeline vandalism operation in Obazagbon community Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of the state.

 

The State Commandant of the NSCDC,Akintayo Ayinla, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen by the command’s spokesman, Ogbebor Efosa, said several items used by the suspected vandals were also recovered during the operation. He listed the items as five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and    two digger heads.

 

According to the statement, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vandal Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance, were on a routine patrol along the NNPC pipeline corridor when they sighted the suspected vandals.

 

The Commandant, while stating in the statement that the suspects, upon sighting the security operatives, “opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape,” added that the “NSCDC personnel responded professionally, forcing the criminals to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding bush.”

 

Akintayo described the operation as another major breakthrough in the Command’s sustained efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure.

 

He issued a “strong warning to criminal elements and their sponsors to stay away from all government facilities, particularly oil and gas installations,” stressing that the command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard critical infrastructure.

 

He added: “Our operatives are already on the trail of the fleeing suspects. They cannot evade justice forever. We are committed to apprehending everyone connected with this criminal act, including their sponsors and collaborators, and ensuring they face the full weight of the law.”

 

He appealed to residents of Edo State to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that will aid in preventing acts of vandalism and other criminal activities.

 

Akintayo assured members of the public that all information received would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

 

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC Edo State Command to working closely with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as the safety and security of lives and property across the state.