The Rivers state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) has secured 98 convictions,arrested 187 suspected oil thieves, 195 trucks/vehicles allegedly used for vandalism among others in year 2020.
The disclosure was made by Muktar Lawal the Commandant of NSCDC in the state during a press briefing at the corps headquarters on Monday.
The State NSCDC Commandant explained that the command in a bid to checkmate oil thieves in the state especially crude oil theft/vandalism developed some internal mechanism which include creating local intelligence around pipelines where the products pass to compliment the twenty four hours patrol around the various locations which yielded positive result as the command arrested no fewer than 187 suspected oil thieves, 195 trucks/vehicles used for vandalism in year 2020.
Mr Lawal revealed that the command in the year under review recorded 98 convictions in cases relating to illegal dealings in petroleum products, vandalism of petroleum pipelines,telecommunications facilities, PHCN facilities among otherss.
The State Commandant disclosed that the Command has secured the forfeiture of a tug boat, 10 trucks/vehicles for the Federal Government while 74 cases are currently going on with 48 suspects facing trials in Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile eight suspect, five trucks and a car loaded with adulterated DPK were paraded by the command on Monday.
Mr Lawal explained that on 15th December, 2020 a mack container truck with registration number Lagos XM 918 BDC loaded with about 50 drums of AGO was arrested.
On December 11,2020 at about 0240 hours two suspected oil thieves in possession of truck registration number XB 840 SAP was arrested within Ahoada West LGA.
On December 10,2020 at about 1230 hours a short truck with registration number AJA 110 XR Lagos loaded with about 10,000litres of suspected adulterated AGO was apprehended along Iwofe road in Obio/Akpor LGA.
On 6th December 2020 at about 0245 hours, four suspects with two 40feets suspected vandalized petroleum oil pipes loaded in an open bodied truck and a self loader truck with registration number ABC 767 XB Abuja and BGM 532 XA Rivers were arrested at Eteo community in Eleme LGA.
On December 4,2020 at about 10:00hours a green Camry car with registration number NKE 609 EV Eboyin loaded with adulterated DPK(kerosene) was arrested along Iwofe waterfront in Obio/Akpor LGA.
The State commandant said the dogged commitment of the Commandant General of NSCDC,Abdullahi Gana Muhammad u to welfare of officers and men of the corps contributed to great achievement of the Rivers State command.
Mr Lawal reiterated the resolve of NSCDC Rivers State command in ensuring maximum protection of national facility and critical asset in the state .
