KEY POINTS
• The NSCDC has arrested two suspects over the alleged vandalism of NNPCL pipelines in Edo State.
• The suspects were apprehended in Ekpoma following an intelligence-led operation and reportedly confessed during interrogation.
• The corps said investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate, while the suspects will face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC,, Edo State Command, have arrested two suspected pipeline vandals over the alleged destruction of facilities belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The suspects, identified as Kadiri Isah, 55, and Mustapha Naphiyu, 27, were apprehended at a cattle market in Idumabor, Esan West Local Government Area, also known as Ekpoma.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Command of the NSCDC, Efosa Ogbebor, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were allegedly involved in vandalising NNPCL pipelines within the state.
According to Ogbebor, the suspects had been under surveillance for some time following intelligence reports linking them to pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage.
He explained that sustained intelligence gathering and monitoring eventually led operatives to their location, where they were arrested without incident.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the alleged criminal activities.
The NSCDC spokesperson disclosed that one of the suspects claimed he purchased the vandalised pipeline materials for about ₦4 million.
Ogbebor said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate believed to be involved in the illegal operation.
He added that the two suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command warned individuals engaged in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to desist immediately or leave Edo State, stressing that security agencies would continue to pursue anyone involved in crimes against the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Ogbebor reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting national assets, including oil and gas infrastructure, and ensuring that those responsible for acts capable of disrupting the country’s economic activities are brought to justice.
He noted that safeguarding critical infrastructure remains a priority for the corps as it intensifies efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and related offences across the state.
