The Joint Task force on Anti-Pipeline vandalism Wednesday handed over five suspected pipeline vandals to the Nigerian Securities and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also handed over were nine motorcycles and 23 vehicles allegedly used for vandalism as well as two dane guns and 23 live ammunitions recovered from the vandals.
The suspects, Afeez Isiaka, Nurudeen Fatai, Oladele Godfrey, Ogbonna Agbo and Kayode Ademola were nabbed by the Joint Taskforce on Anti-Pipeline vandalism operating from Ikorodu through Mosimi to Atlas Cove.
They were alleged to be members of a notorious pipeline vandalism syndicate that has continuously sabotaged the nation’s economy through siphoning Petroleum products from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines at Wawa, Arepo.
Their arrest was sequel to a tip off by concerned residents, who alerted the JTF on their activities
According to security operatives, the suspects were not easily arrested as there was a fierce gun battle between the parties, during which other gang members fled.
They were said to have loaded stolen petroleum products in three mini vans as well as a waste disposal truck belonging to a firm, Ganiu Ventures.
Speaking at the event, the Commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, General Bulama Biu said there was a renewed vigour in the fight against pipeline vandalism.
He said: “The army dominates this place on foot patrol to ensure that the area is kept safe and it let to the success of this present arrests.
“There is a renewed vigour in this fight against pipeline vandalism and I can assure you that we there will be no hiding place for these vandals.”
While briefing reporters, the Maritime Component Commander of the JTF, Navy Captain Chinda Yahaya said the suspects were nabbed on January 10.
He said: “Our troops were deployed for patrol on Sunday, January 10, based on intelligence report about the activities of vandals at Wawa area.
“The patrol team arrived the area and on approaching, the vandals opened fire against the troops and this led to an exchange of gunfire between our troops and the vandals.
“We however overwhelmed the vandals and arrested five men with two Dane guns and 23 live cartridges, while others escaped through the forests.
“Additionally, 23 different types of vehicles and nine motorcycles were arrested and several containers filled with stolen products, as well as empty containers were equally secured.”
In his remark, the state Commandant, Nigerian Securities and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gabriel Abafi said the various agencies in the Taskforce were working towards a common goal.
“This is one of the things bugging the economy of the country and as this is done, investigation and prosecution will commence immediately,” he said.
Among the vehicles recovered were a Toyota Camry marked Ex487ABC; Honda Odyssey with registration number EX957GGE; Toyota Corolla marked CW477LND, Peugeot Wagon (DC556FST), and Ford bus marked FKJ396XP.
Others are Mercedes Benz bus, Toyota Avalon, Renault bus and Mercedes Benz bus with registration numbers YA39AKD, BD875AKD, EPE954XA and XC481ABC respectively.
Also recovered were Toyota Hiace bus, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Volkswagen Transporter, Toyota Camry, Vanagon bus, Peugeot Turbod, Nissan Quest and Mitsubishi SUV marked SMK615XC, MUS227DA, GGE546DP, XZ04GGE and KTU262DE, AAA625XL, SMK634BA, FKJ489XP, HW537AAA, CX2444LSR, respectively. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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