The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has arrested four suspected oil thieves (names withheld ) at Obawole, in Fagba area of Lagos State.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, January 10, while attempting to vandalise the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited ( NNPCL ) pipeline in Lakayana Awadu Street, off Obawole, in Ifako Ijaye Council.
Parading the suspects at the Lagos headquarters of NSCDC, in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commandant, Adedotun Sunday Keshinro, said they were arrested, following intelligence from the community, a day after he took office.
He said the anti-vandal sector of NSCDC swooped in on the four while others escaped.
According to him, the suspects were caught with a Chevrolet bus and a Jack hammer, among others.
“The suspects brought some of their equipment to be used in perpetrating the evil act during the day and came back at night to complete the heinous act when the anti-vandal sector arrested four of them,” he said.
.Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA) in the area, John Oluwafemi, said residents constantly live in fear because of how the pipeline is exposed,
He said several petitions have been written, and pictures sent to the government urging it to cover the pipeline properly. He said the pipeline is exposed at two points on the street and that vandals had, in the past, tried to breach the pipelines unsuccessfully.
Meanwhile, the new commandant has directed that the recovered exhibits; a white bus without registration number and implements be brought to the State Command Headquarters, in Alausa, Ikeja, for further investigation.
He also directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the Command has also been charged, to conduct thorough interrogation and investigation, to ensure the swift and just handling of the matter.
“The Command has remained, ever resolute in its determination to bring the culprits to justice and curb such criminal activities.from permeating our streets and communities,” Keshinro said.
He emphasised the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating oil pipeline vandalism, illegal petroleum dealings, and the destruction of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
He, therefore, seized, the opportunity, to send a clear message to those still involved, in such act that a new sheriff is in town and as such they will be identified, apprehended, and made to face the full wrath of the law if found culpable
Kehinro also assured that he will cooperate with the media and Lagosians to rid the state of criminals and appealed for continued support, saying the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.
