NSCDC prosecutes 30 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom

No fewer than 30 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom are currently being prosecuted by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The State Commandant of the corps, Mr. Pedro Ideba, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Ikot Abasi.

He said that the suspected oil thieves were all arrested at Ukpenekang Beach in Ibeno Local Government Area of the state between January and April.

Ideba said that eight of the suspects were arrested by the navy, seven by the army while the corps also arrested 15.

“The trial of the suspects are at different stages and we know that the law will take its course.

“Our efforts have been yielding positive results and we started securing convictions, which I believe, will serve as a deterrent to others,’’ he said.

He said that the command was determined the stop the vandalism of pipelines and electrical installations in the country.

Ideba also said that the command was collaborating with other sister agencies to nip crime in the board, stressing the importance of synergy among security agents in combating crime in the country.

The commandant described oil theft and pipeline vandalism as sabotage against the nation.

He, however, said that the corps was faced with some challenges, including lack of vehicles for taking suspects to court as well as towing vans.

Ideba commended the Akwa Ibom government for donating a structure used by the corps for keeping of exhibits.