Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Edo State Command have foiled an attempted vandalism of an NNPC pipeline in Obazagbon Community, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The State Commandant, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, disclosed the development on Friday while briefing journalists in Benin.
According to Akintayo, operatives from the command’s Anti-Vandal Unit, working in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance, intercepted the suspects during a routine patrol along the NNPC pipeline corridor around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.
“The operatives encountered a group of suspected vandals excavating and vandalising the pipeline. On sighting our operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape. Our personnel responded professionally, forcing the criminals to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding bush,” the Commandant stated.
Items recovered from the scene include five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels, and two digger heads.
Akintayo described the operation as another significant success in the command’s ongoing efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure from economic saboteurs. He warned criminal elements and their sponsors to steer clear of oil and gas facilities, noting that the NSCDC remains resolute in safeguarding such installations.
“Our operatives are already on the trail of the fleeing suspects. They cannot evade justice forever. We are committed to apprehending everyone connected with this criminal act, including their sponsors and collaborators, and ensuring they face the full weight of the law,” he added.
The Commandant appealed to residents of Edo State to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to help prevent pipeline vandalism and other related crimes. He assured the public that all such information would be handled with strict confidentiality.