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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Rivers State has vowed to intensify efforts to stop oil theft.

This is as it disclosed that it had received 10 suspects involved in illegal oil bunkering and vandalism in Kryo community, near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State from the Army.

The corps said of the 10 suspects, five were arrested by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, with 44 metal pipes, four cylinders, and other exhibits, which were handed over to the state Command of the NSCDC in Port Harcourt.

The other five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal bunkering by soldiers of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation.
The NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze, disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Igwebueze also disclosed that NSCDC operatives on routine patrol impounded nine vehicles abandoned by suspects who were on the Command’s trail along the Trans-Amadi axis of Port Harcourt.

He stated, “The following five suspects: Aniebiet Pascal, 22, Nnadi Ogbonna, 23, Ifeayin Delight, 25, Sunday Benjamin, 22, and Okechukwu Finbar, 20, were apprehended by 29 Battalion Nigerian Army port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four Cylinders containing Nitrogen Gas, one wooden boat with 25 horsepower engine along Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In another development, five other suspects were also arrested with three Motorcycles, two wheelbarrows filled with Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), and a 1,000-meter Industrial Pumping Hose.

“They were arrested and handed over to NSCDC Rivers State Command by 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

Continuing, Igwebueze said, “The Anti-vandal Unit of the Command, while on routine patrol at Mother Cat roundabout, Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt also impounded some vehicles being abandoned by suspects who are currently being trailed by our undercover personnel.”

According to him, all the cars were laden with illegally refined diesel concealed in cellophane bags.