Awka – The Abia State Command of Nigeria security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) says it has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against Oil Theft, Oil Bunkering, Illegal Dealings in Petroleum Products and Wilful Vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.
The State Commandant, Mr. Vincent Ogu stated this on Tuesday, while parading sixteen (16) suspects before newsmen at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia.
Among the suspects were Babangida Saleh (M) (35), Abubaka Ibrahim (M) (22), Bukar Ali ( M) (30), Mohammed Mohammed (M) (32), Lawrence Ahmed (M) (27), Johnson Akinrinola (M) (29), Oto- Obong Francis(M) (18), Elijah Peters (M)(39), Chinyere Ezeali (F) (35), Lawal Ibrahim (M)(35), Haruna Zuberu ( M) (31) and Daniel Ikechukwu ( M) (29).
Others were Ugochukwu Alozie (M) (31), Abdullahi Adamu (M) (28), Bala Isah (M) (30) and Sani Mohamed (M) (27).
Disclosing how the suspects were arrested, Commandant Ogu said they were arrested at different locations in the State for offences bothering on Oil Bunkering and illegal dealings in Petroleum Products.
He revealed that four (4) trucks, a Volkswagen Bus and a Passenger Toyota Camry Car used in conveying the Petroleum Products were impounded, all of which will be taken to Court alongside the suspects upon conclusion of investigations.
The Abia NSCDC commandant maintained that the zero tolerance directive of the Commandant General, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, against all forms of Vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, must be carried out to save the nation’s economy and by extension, justify the establishment of the Corps.
Ogu praised the gallantry and professionalism being exhibited by his Men in the discharge of their duties, which has also led to the successful arrest of the suspects who he said have been on the Command’s ‘wanted list’.
“I want to appreciate the vision and the relentless commitment of the Commandant General towards repositioning the Corps to tackle the security challenges facing our nation, Nigeria. His Staff Welfare policies, Training and Retraining Programs are second to none, and these have changed Officers and Men of the Corps to redouble their efforts in providing adequate security services to the good people of Nigeria as a way of reciprocating the CG’s good gestures,” he pointed out.
The State Commandant commended the synergy existing between NSCDC and other Sister Security Agencies in Abia State and appreciated the 14 Brigade Commander, Nigeria Army, Ohafia and the Commandant , Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics, Naval Base, Owerrinta for their support in logistics and intelligence information sharing, assuring them that the suspects handed over to the Command will be diligently prosecuted.
He further advised parents to monitor the activities of their wards as anyone caught in illegal petroleum products business will face the full wrath of the law.
