Determined to stop the rising cases of oil theft in the Niger Delta, 19 persons have been nabbed by officials of the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Delta State Commandant of NCSDC, Mr. Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun who disclosed this in Asaba while parading the suspects, said that two tankers and seven trucks were also detained.
The commandant said that two of the suspects Odiaka Divine, 22 and Monday Bakwana, 28 were arrested by the Tactical Squad of the Anti-Vandal Unit in Patani Local Government Area of the state on March 9 when they were conveying petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosine) in polythene sacks inside a Mercedes 817 mini truck.
He disclosed that the trucks were loaded with illegally refined petroleum products suspected to be AGO (Diesel) were found in Ozoro the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad less than 48 hours after they arrived and commenced operations in the state.
Akinsanya gave the names of the suspects as Zuhairu Muhammed, 32, Masahudu Usman, 42; Zakari Kano, 35; Alex A. M, 25; Dalamin Bako, 30;
Gambo Abudlahi; 20; Muhammed Mamuda, 25; Rabiu Saidu, 25; and Shuaibu A Shuaibu, 20.
Other suspects are Abudlahi M. Adamu, 24; Zakariya Haruna, 20; Abudlahi Sani (m) 22; Salisu Abubakar 27; Isa Haruna, 23; Ibrahim Adamu, 25; Ali Usman, 25; and Salisu Zakaria, 20.
While assuring Deltans of the resilience and commitment of the NSCDC, the Commandant maintained that the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, general vandalism and all round criminality has been taken to an enviable and achievable pedestal in the state.
Akinsanya warned and advice all criminals and enemies of the state to either repent or relocate from the state as they will be brought to justice soon, adding that the suspects will be charged to court to serve as deterrent to other as soon as investigations are concluded.
