(NSCDC) on Wednesday said it arrested 47 oil pipeline vandals between
January and November.
The State Commandant, Mr. Chike Ikpeamonwu, said in Benin that the
vandals were arrested at different locations across the state through
the command intelligence network.
"Within one year of our operations in the state, we have been able to
arrest more than 47 vandals, and also locate and destroyed seven
illegal refineries in the state.
"The illegal refineries were located at Fiafia-Zion-Gbelebu, in Ovia
South West; Uloke and Agbede in Etsako West local government areas of
the state.
"We have also raided warehouses where illegal petroleum products are
being stored and destroyed them across the state.
"Within the year in review, the command has organised training for
corps members in weapon handling, counter force and intelligence
gathering among others," he said.
Ikpeamonwu said the command's anti-vandals operations have yielded
positive results, noting that there was a considerable reduction in
the activities of vandals and bunkers.
The commandant called for more collaboration from other security
agencies in the fight against vandalism and oil theft.
He said the suspects were currently being prosecuted for the crime.
"In line with our mandate, we have organised a stakeholder's forum
with the theme, 'Zero tolerance to vandalism and oil theft in the
state.'
"We have also organised stakeholders' fora for private guards
companies to refresh their minds on the issues of security.
"We did this because we consider them as the grassroots security
operatives and there are lots to learn in the area of security," he
added.
Ikpeamonwu said lack of operational vehicles was a major challenge
mitigating against the fight against vandalism and bunkering.
He thanked Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his support, cooperation and
assistance in ensuring the command carried out its activities in an
enabling environment.
He also thanked the traditional rulers across the state for their
support and cooperation to the command.
"We are particularly grateful to the Oba of Benin for graciously
allocating a parcel of land to the command to build its own permanent
office accommodation."
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