Lagos NSCDC nabs four suspected pipeline vandals

Operatives of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have arrested four suspected pipeline vandals.

The four were allegedly trying to breach the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited pipeline in Obawole, Fagba area of Lagos State.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abolurin Oluwaseun, late Thursday.

The statement disclosed that the suspects were paraded alongside exhibits recovered from them at the Command Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.

Keshinro noted that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday following credible and actionable intelligence which prompted the anti-vandal team of the Command to swung into action and foiled the attempted vandalism.

The statement read in part, “Adedotun Sunday Keshinro, earlier today, Thursday, January 11, 2024, paraded, four male (names withheld) suspects, who were apprehended, while attempting to vandalize the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited pipeline located, at Obawole, in Fagba area of Lagos state.

“The Command obtained credible and actionable intelligence about the nefarious activity of the aforementioned elements and swung into action at about 0245hrs, on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, to thwart a vandalism attempt on NNPCL pipelines located at the point named, above.

“As a result of the swift action of the Command’s team, the nefarious attempt of vandalism, by the suspects was thwarted, leading to their arrest and the recovery of some items at the scene of crime.

“The Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro has also directed that the recovered exhibits; a white bus without registration number, implements and arrested suspects from the operation be brought to the State Command Headquarters, in Alausa, Ikeja, for further questioning and investigation.”

He noted that the suspects will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.

“The Command has remained, ever resolute in its determination to bring the culprits to justice and curb such criminal activities from permeating our streets and communities,” Keshinro said.

PUNCH Online reports that there have been incessant cases of pipeline vandalism nationwide over the years resulting in the loss of lives and property and also the damage of valuable facilities.

In November 2023, the Lagos State NSCDC Command averted an oil pipeline explosion that would have led to the destruction of lives and properties in Alimosho, in the state.

Also, the operatives of the NSCDC said in July 2023 that it had arrested no fewer than eight persons caught while transporting suspected stolen petroleum products in Ajah Beach in Lagos State.