The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced the apprehension of ten suspects allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering and vandalism in Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to the NSCDC, five of the suspects were arrested by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, who discovered 44 metal pipes, four cylinders, and other exhibits in their possession.

These suspects were subsequently handed over to the Rivers State Command of the NSCDC.

The remaining five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal bunkering by soldiers of the 6 Division Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt and were also turned over to the NSCDC for further investigation.

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Basil Igwebueze, the NSCDC Commandant for Rivers State, disclosed these developments during a press briefing at the Command’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

He also mentioned that NSCDC operatives, during routine patrols, impounded nine vehicles abandoned by suspects along the Trans-Amadi axis of Port Harcourt.

Among the impounded vehicles were a Toyota Camry carrying illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) and a Futon Bus containing eight plastic drums of the same substance.

Seven other vehicles laden with illegally refined Diesel were seized by the Antivandal Unit of the Command.

Igwebueze emphasized that a thorough investigation was underway, and the suspects would be charged in court.

He also warned illegal oil thieves to desist from their activities or face the consequences of the law.

The NSCDC Commandant expressed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to protect critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.