3 Suspected Vandals Arrested With 10,000 Litres Of Petrol In Ondo

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command has reiterated its determination to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the riverine area of the state.

Speaking while parading three suspected pipeline vandals arrested at Omotoso in Odigbo local government area, commandant, Popoola Waheed Bamidele said the top priority and mandate of the corps is to end pipeline vandalism and illegal siphoning of oil in the Niger Delta region, noting that the command has made many arrests this year and seized many trucks carrying PMS or adulterated diesel.

The three suspects, Korede Akilo from Ijebu Ode, Ahmed Danlami from Plateau State and Shuaibu Yisa from Adamawa State, were arrested with a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation truck, registration number XB 104 JMT Adamawa, loaded with 10,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Two of the suspects, Korede and Ahmed, said they had just joined the business, adding that they were introduced to it by a friend in Delta State who specializes in oil bunkering.

the suspects paraded by the NSCDC
the suspects paraded by the NSCDC

Bamidele said men of the anti-vandal unit arrested the suspects at about 6:00 am on Friday following a tip from members of the community.

He said the suspects had already vandalized and successfully siphoned the NNPC pipeline at Omotoso before his command received the alert. 

“We will not sleep and relent in our mandate of combating illegal oil business and theft in Ondo state and the country at large. These criminals are sabotaging our economy through this dastardly act. We also appreciate members of these communities who are cooperating with us and we urge them not to stop because it’s a fight for all,” Bamidele said.

Reiterating the commitment of the NSCDC to end bunkering and vandalism, Popoola vowed to charge the suspects to court immediately.