The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested six suspects over alleged oil pipeline vandalism and the theft of petroleum products in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Peak Newspaper reports.
According to the NSCDC, the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation on July 18 at Pagada I, Dubi Ward, where they were allegedly caught puncturing an oil pipeline with a drilling machine and siphoning Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into jerrycans and plastic containers.
The Command said preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects allegedly invited others to participate in the operation, while three local vigilante members are accused of providing security cover for the vandals. Recovered exhibits include two locally fabricated firearms, two motorcycles, a hand drilling machine, four 25-litre jerrycans filled with suspected PMS, two empty jerrycans, and a shovel.
The NSCDC condemned pipeline vandalism as economic sabotage, warning that such activities threaten national infrastructure, fuel supply, public safety and the environment. The agency said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal network before prosecuting those found culpable.
