Port Harcourt – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects caught in the act of connecting galvanised steel pipes to steal crude oil from a government-owned pipeline.
Mr Basil Igwebueze, Commandant of NSCDC in Rivers, disclosed this while presenting the suspects to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He stated that the suspects specialised in installing tapping points and steel pipes on pipelines to redirect crude oil to waiting trucks and illegal refining sites.
“The five suspects were arrested by operatives of the command’s anti-vandal unit for their involvement in illegal dealings of petroleum products.
“The suspects, whose age are ranged between 19 and 25 years were apprehended on Alesa-Eleme Okirika Road, Eleme Local Government Area for placing galvanized pipes near the NNPC/PPMC pipeline right of way.
“They were caught in the act of trying to connect and siphon crude oil from the NNPC pipeline,” he said.
Igwebueze said that the suspects admitted to returning at night to steal crude oil after connecting the pipes to the pipelines.
He said that investigations were ongoing to uncover sponsors behind the suspects and identify individuals and companies that patronise the group.
“Similarly, the command impounded nine vehicles between Jan. 19 and Feb. 6 for collectively transporting around 15,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.
“The seizures were made in several local government areas of the state, including Port Harcourt,” he added.
Igwebueze said the command had already initiated actionable steps to go after the actors of the criminal enterprise and pledged the command’s dedication to ending the menace.
He emphasised that the theft of crude oil has had detrimental impact on the nation’s economy and living conditions of the people.
“We know that there are people the suspects work for, and so, we have expanded our net to apprehend and prosecute them.
“The Federal Government rely on proceeds from crude oil production to fulfil its obligations, and so, anyone who wants to engage in crude oil should obtain licence from the government,” he said.
He urged the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws to deter criminals from sabotaging crude oil facilities nationwide across the country.
He cautioned those involved in illegal bunkering of petroleum products to cease such criminal activities immediately and pursue legitimate means of livelihood. (NAN)
