The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three individuals for allegedly vandalizing an oil pipeline, stealing petroleum products, and engaging in illegal dealings in crude oil.
The suspects were apprehended at Umuowaga Umuelechi Obuzo Asa in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The arrest was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Doreen Udugwu.
According to the statement, the operation was successfully carried out based on actionable intelligence received by the NSCDC. Acting swiftly, the anti-vandal patrol team of the command responded and intercepted the suspects at the crime scene. During the operation, a significant quantity of stolen petroleum products was discovered.
The arrested suspects have been identified as 37-year-old Oscar Eteobong and 40-year-old Isaac Aniete Edemba Udoh, both from Abak and Obot Akara local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, respectively.
The third suspect, Emmanuel Uzoma Sunday, is a 20-year-old from Isiala-Ngwa North, Abia State. The NSCDC command noted that the suspects were caught in the act and will be thoroughly investigated to determine their level of involvement in oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Speaking on the incident, the Abia State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akinsola Aderemi, emphasized that the arrest is part of the corps’ ongoing efforts to combat illegal oil activities that threaten Nigeria’s economy. He reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC to identifying and dismantling criminal networks involved in pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
Aderemi further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to uncover other individuals linked to the crime, including possible sponsors and buyers of stolen petroleum products. He assured that all those found guilty would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activities.
The NSCDC has continued to intensify its surveillance and enforcement strategies across Abia State, particularly in areas prone to pipeline vandalism. The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to oil theft to security agencies.
The Abia NSCDC reiterated its unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring that those involved in acts of economic sabotage are brought to justice.
