By Henry Oladele
Lagos – The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday handed over two suspected pipeline vandals with 53 jerry cans filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, Commodore Maurice Eno, handed over the suspects to the NSCDC Area Commander, Lagos Central, Assistant Commandant Padonu Augustine.
Eno, while briefing journalists, said a private security outfit in conjunction with the personnel of Operation AWATSE arrested the suspects at Imagbon area in Ogun.
“As you are aware , the 76km stretch of pipeline running from Atlas Cove to Mosimi Depot was shut down for 11 months due to severe acts of vandalism on the lines.
“This was to allow total refurbishment of the lines which cost the Federal Government billions of Naira.
“The maintenance of the lines was completed early this year and pumping of products to Mosimi commenced on March 21.
“However, at about 3:00am on March 27, a private security outfit, Topline Leighton Ltd., engaged for security and maintenance of the pipeline, in conjunction with personnel of Operation AWATSE arrested two suspects in Ogun.
“They were arrested with 53 Jerry cans, each containing 50 litres of PMS, suspected to have been siphoned from the pipelines.
“The products were being conveyed in four vehicles at the time of the arrest.
“The vehicles used for the illegal act are Toyota Sienna (LSR-142 BH), Volkswagen Bus (KRD-151 XM), Mazda Bus (XU 138-EPE) and Toyota Camry (VL 03-APP).
“However, some of the vandals on sighting the security men, fled the scene,” he said.
Eno assured the general public that the military and other security agencies would continue to arrest those involved in pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
“We should note that the criminals involved in pipeline vandalism are sometimes involved in kidnappings, bank robberies and other nefarious activities,” he said.
Eno warned pipeline vandals and other criminal elements to turn a new leaf and pursue legal means of livelihood or face the wrath of the law.
Augustine, while receiving the suspects and fuel, said those arrested would be charged to court after investigation into their activities were concluded.
