Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intercepted 20,000 litres of stolen crude oil and arrested five suspects in connection with pipeline vandalism in Abia State.
The seizure occurred in the Umielechi/Izam community, where vandals had illegally siphoned crude oil from a damaged pipeline. The operation, led by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), followed a directive from NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, who had recently stressed the Corps’ zero tolerance for crude oil theft and vandalism.
According to the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, the squad, led by Commandant Appolos Dandaura, acted on credible intelligence and raided the site. The suspects, who attempted to flee on motorcycles in the Obuzor Asa axis of Ukwa West Local Government Area, were apprehended during the midnight operation.
The arrested individuals were identified as Daniel Augustine (20), Moses Friday (23), Igboshe Musua (42), Sadiq Yunusa (28), and Dozie Ugo (33). Recovered from the scene were approximately 20,000 litres of crude oil, packed in cellophane bags, alongside three motorcycles used by the suspects: two Dalong Super Wolf motorcycles, a Qlink 150-ES Electric start motorcycle, and a Nasara Super D-S 150 motorcycle.
Commandant Dandaura reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical national assets, vowing to continue the relentless fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
