The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 10 individuals in various parts of Rivers State, including Port Harcourt, on charges of oil theft. Basil Igwebueze, the Commandant of NSCDC in Rivers State, revealed this development during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. He emphasized that the corps confiscated 15 vehicles employed by the suspects for their unlawful activities.
In efforts to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure during the Yuletide, Igwebueze stated that 2,345 personnel had been strategically deployed across key areas to prevent security breaches. He highlighted the continuous efforts of the corps’ anti-vandals unit in combatting the illicit activities of oil bunkering and vandalism within the state.
“The Anti-vandal Unit of the command arrested these 10 suspects, and a total of 15 vehicles were impounded. These arrests were facilitated by credible intelligence, prompting swift action from our personnel,” Igwebueze explained. He noted that despite the perpetrators adopting new methods, such as concealing locally refined petroleum products in cellophane bags, the vigilant command would identify and apprehend them.
Revealing their commitment to a thorough investigation, Igwebueze announced that the suspects would face charges in court. Additionally, he presented the annual scorecard for the reviewed year, indicating a total of 176 arrests, 292 suspects, and 17 convictions. The Commandant assured that those engaged in illegal bunkering activities would not escape justice.