Four alleged pipeline vandals have been taken into custody by agents of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps’ Lagos State Command.
The four were allegedly trying to break 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 revealed that on Thursday, at the Command Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the suspects were paraded with evidence that had been recovered from them.
Keshinro stated that the suspects were taken into custody on Wednesday as a result of reliable and useful information that forced the Command’s anti-vandalism squad to take immediate action and stop 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.
There have been several incidents of pipeline vandalism around the country over the years, resulting in the destruction of priceless infrastructure as well as the loss of life and property.
An oil pipeline explosion that may have destroyed lives and property in Alimosho, the state, was prevented in November 2023 by the Lagos State NSCDC Command.
Additionally, in July 2023, the NSCDC’s agents announced that they had apprehended eight individuals who were allegedly smuggling stolen petroleum products in Lagos State’s Ajah Beach.
