The operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,Abia State Command, Umuahia, arrested two suspects at about 0100 hrs on Sunday, April 21, 2024, for their alleged involvement in vandalism of petroleum, crude oil theft, and other illegal dealings in petroleum products.
This was stated in a press briefing by the State Commandant, CC Usman Ishaq Alfadarai fdc, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia. He stated that the suspects were arrested at Shell Well Head, 26 Owaza, UKWA West Local Government Area of Abia State, following actionable intelligence.
While narrating further on how the suspects were apprehended, Commandant Alfadarai said, “The arrest was made possible through a joint operation involving the NSCDC, DSS,and Shell internal security operatives.” He further said, “The successful arrest of the suspects who have been on the Abia
The NSCDC wanted list is considered a major breakthrough in our unreserved commitment to win the war against oil pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and all forms of illegal dealings in petroleum products.” and added that “the joint operation itself is a reflection of the healthy synergy existing among security agencies in the state.”.
Parading the suspects before the pressmen,the State Commandant exposed that the items recovered from the suspects include one long blue hose pipe and about fifty-five (55) cellophane packs containing products suspected to be crude oil.
In line with the directives of the Commandant General, CG Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, to sustain the onslaught against vandals and other economic saboteurs operating in the state,the State Commandant praised the gallantry and professionalism displayed by his men in the successful coordination of the arrest of the suspects.
He, however, used the opportunity to thank the general public for their confidence in the corps, which is demonstrated in providing timely information while ensuring that every piece of information received will be given prompt attention and treated with confidentiality.
The State Commandant, CC Usman Ishaq Alfadarai FDC,called on those engaging in vandalism of critical assets and infrastructure, illegal dealings in petroleum, destruction of farm and agricultural products, and other criminal activities to turn a new leaf or be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
The suspects, while being interrogated by the press, gave their names as:
Samson koki(M)(25)yrs from Okoloba and Zakari(M)18yrs.One of the suspects, upon interrogation, revealed that he went into crude oil theft out of financial frustration and the need to make ends meet.
He stated that he was introduced to the business by a friend and regretted involving himself in it despite knowing that it was illegal.
