Crude Oil Theft: Abia NSCDC Parades Suspects, Appreciates Governor Otti

The state commandant of the Corps, Usman Ishaq Alfadarai stated this during a press briefing at the Command’s Headquarters in Umuahia.

According to the commandant the operatives of the Corps in conjunction with other sister agencies apprehended the alleged vandals at Shell Well Head 26 Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area of the State following an actionable intelligence on their nefarious activities.

He said: “the arrest was made possible through a joint operation involving the NSCDC, DSS and Shell internal security operatives. The successful arrest of the suspects who have been on the Abia NSCDC wanted list is considered a major breakthrough in our unreserved commitment to win the war against oil pipeline vandalism, Crude Oil theft and all forms of illegal dealings in petroleum products”.

“The joint operation itself is a reflection of the healthy synergy existing among the security agencies in the State. The suspects upon interrogation gave their names as:
1. Samson Koki (M) (25yrs) from Okoloba, Delta State

2. Zakari Yakubu (M), (18yrs)”.

The State Commandant lauded the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives of the corps and promised to sustain the onslaught against vandals and other economic saboteurs in the State stressing that the Agro Ranger Unit of the corps would curb farmers/herders clashes in other to contribute to food sufficiency in the country.

He further vowed to keep vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure at bay and solicited useful and prompt information from the general public to assist the command in securing lives and property of Abia people.

The state Commandant, Usman Ishaq Alfadarai further appreciated the state governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti for always supporting the corps in delivering on its constitutional obligations.

While listing items recovered from the suspects to include, 5 drums of crude oil, Five bags of 10 liters of crude oil and a conduit hose used in siphoning the oil, Commandant Alfadarai said that prosecution awaits them as it would serve as deterrence to others.