Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, have arrested two suspected pipeline vandals in a coordinated intelligence-driven operation aimed at curbing economic sabotage and protecting vital national infrastructure.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Efosa Ogbebor, confirmed the arrests during a news briefing on Sunday in Benin City.
According to Ogbebor, the suspects were apprehended during a joint operation conducted by the NSCDC in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security. The operation took place at a cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, in Esan West Local Government Area.
The spokesperson revealed that the suspects had been under surveillance for some time, with credible intelligence eventually leading security teams to their location.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Edo Command, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security, carried out a successful operation that resulted in the arrest of two suspected pipeline vandals who specialise in vandalising NNPC oil pipelines,” he stated.
Preliminary investigations and interrogations have yielded significant information, with the suspects reportedly making confessional statements detailing their involvement in the criminal enterprise. Efforts are now underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate and completely dismantle the network.
One of the suspects allegedly admitted to purchasing pipeline components for N4 million. Both individuals will be prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws once investigations are concluded.
Ogbebor emphasised the unwavering commitment of the State Commandant, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, to safeguarding critical national assets across Edo State.
“The command remains resolute in ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice,” he added.
He issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in pipeline vandalism and related criminal activities, stating that there would be no safe haven for them in the state. The NSCDC, he said, will continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement actions to protect the nation’s economic interests.