Eric Olusesan/Port Harcourt
Operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Rivers State Command have arrested four suspects, impounded two trucks, vehicles for oil suspected illegal oil theft in Rivers State.
The NSCDC Rivers State Commandant, Michael Besong Ogar, who briefed Journalists on Command’s latest operation said on the need for concerted effort to nip in the bud the activities of those sabotaging the economy of the nation through their involvement in vandalism of oil pipelines, operations of illegal refineries and oil theft; the NSCDC Rivers State Commandant Michael Besong Ogar, reiterated the need to safeguarding all Critical Assets and effort by his agency to tackle the menace of illegal oil bunkering activities both on land and across the waterways in Rivers State.
Ogar stated the commitment of the agency to fighting illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State is sacrosanct in strong synergy with sister Security Agencies in the war against economic saboteurs.
“We have also had situations where Suspects arrested in connection with oil theft were handed over to us by Sister Security Agencies based on the fact that the NSCDC has the Power to prosecute offenders in the Court of competent jurisdiction”.
Commandant Ogar hinted that the arrest of the suspects were carried out in different locations across the State. He commended the Antivandal land patrol team for the arrest of 3 Suspects named: Amadi Goodluck, 25 years, Odogwu Shedrack, 19 years and Ovunda Emmanuel,20years. They were arrested in a Black Sequoia Jeep with number plate LAGOS SMK 538 AX at Obelle- Ibaa Road in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State while in conveyance of 1,250 litres of Crude oil concealed in cellophane bags.
In another development, One suspect named Chibuike Alamezie 36years was also arrested while conveying about 10 kegs of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) being 25litres each in a Black Toyota Camry Car: LAGOS PZ 192 AAA along Trans Amadi Industrial Area in Port Harcourt.
He said that during a routine patrol, a white Mitsubishi L300 model Bus with registration number: RIVERS XA 522 SKN was also impounded while in conveying of about 1,000 litres of Crude oil. The suspects however took to their heels upon sighting it’s personnel.
Also,following a tip-off our Antivandal Squad also impounded a Red Volkswagen Car with registration number Rivers AP 43 DBU at Ndele axis of East/West road in Rivers State. The vehicle was abandoned with 1,200 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) while the suspects took off for the fear of being arrested.
Ogar further said that 2 heavy duty MACK TRUCKS with about 45,000 litres each laden with Crude oil totalling 90,000 litres were impounded by the Anti-vandal border Patrol along Kira/Sakpenwa section of East-West road in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He affirmed that the Command will not relent in her dogged fight maintaining that prompt Intelligence sharing with other Security Agencies, especially the NSCDC would lead to the arrests of those perpetrating the evil act.
On the disposal of exhibits by setting them on fire he said:”Our stand against burning of exhibits recovered from suspects remain unchanged, the NSCDC condemns such acts; this is because the environment must be free from all activities leading to air, aquatic and soil pollution. We are still soliciting for more cooperations from the Traditional Institutions, Community Youths, Civil Society Organizations, Non Governmental organizations who are true advocates against environmental degradation, pollution and health hazards generated by illegal dealings in petroleum products in Rivers State.
He stated that all suspects arrested would be charged to Court as the Command seeks for the forfeitures of impounded exhibits and proceeds remitted into the federal government coffers.