The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Delta State says it has arrested 19 suspected crude oil vandals for allegedly being in possession of illegally refined fuel.
A statement by NSCDC spokesperson in the state, Mr Emeka Peters, on Sunday in Asaba said two tankers and seven trucks were impounded alongside the 19 apprehended suspects.
He said that two of the suspects were arrested by the Anti-Vandal Unit of the command in the Patani Local Government Area of the state on March 9 while conveying kerosene, suspected to have been illegally refined.
According to the statement, “The Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun, paraded the 19 suspects, two tankers and seven trucks.
“Two of the suspects, Odiaka Divine, 22, and Monday Bakwana, 28, were arrested by the tactical squad of the Anti-Vandal Unit in Patani LGA of Delta State on March 9, 2022, while conveying petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined DPK (kerosine) in polythene sacks inside a Mercedes 817 mini truck.
“Also paraded were 17 suspects, two tankers and seven trucks loaded with illegally refined petroleum products suspected to be AGO (diesel). The suspects were arrested in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA of Delta State by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad in less than 48 hours on arrival in the state.”
The commandant pointed out that the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, general vandalism and all-around criminality has been taken to an enviable and achievable pedestal in the state.
While warning criminals to either repent and abandon criminality or relocate from the state, Abiodun assured the public that after investigation, the suspects would be charged to court.
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