NSCDC Foils Pipeline Vandalism Attempt, Recovers Equipment In Edo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has foiled an attempted pipeline vandalism operation and recovered equipment allegedly used by suspected vandals in Obazagbon Community, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by the command's Public Relations Officer, Ogbebor Efosa.
According to Ayinla, the operation took place on Thursday, July 16, when operatives of the command's Anti-Vandal Unit, working alongside the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance, were conducting a routine patrol along the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline corridor in Obazagbon.
He said the security team encountered a group of suspected pipeline vandals allegedly excavating and attempting to damage the pipeline.
The commandant explained that the suspects opened fire on the operatives after noticing their presence in an attempt to escape. The NSCDC personnel responded, forcing the suspects to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
Items recovered from the scene included five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and two digger heads.
Ayinla described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the command's ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria's critical national assets and infrastructure.
He warned criminal elements and their sponsors to stay away from government facilities, particularly oil and gas installations, stressing that the command remained committed to safeguarding critical infrastructure across the state.
"Our operatives are already on the trail of the fleeing suspects. They cannot evade justice forever. We are committed to apprehending everyone connected with this criminal act, including their sponsors and collaborators, and ensuring they face the full weight of the law," he said.
The commandant appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent vandalism and other criminal activities, assuring that all information received would be treated confidentially.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC Edo State Command's commitment to working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect critical national assets and ensure the safety of lives and property throughout the state.
The State Commandant, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by the command's Public Relations Officer, Ogbebor Efosa.
According to Ayinla, the operation took place on Thursday, July 16, when operatives of the command's Anti-Vandal Unit, working alongside the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance, were conducting a routine patrol along the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipeline corridor in Obazagbon.
He said the security team encountered a group of suspected pipeline vandals allegedly excavating and attempting to damage the pipeline.
The commandant explained that the suspects opened fire on the operatives after noticing their presence in an attempt to escape. The NSCDC personnel responded, forcing the suspects to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
Items recovered from the scene included five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and two digger heads.
Ayinla described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the command's ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria's critical national assets and infrastructure.
He warned criminal elements and their sponsors to stay away from government facilities, particularly oil and gas installations, stressing that the command remained committed to safeguarding critical infrastructure across the state.
"Our operatives are already on the trail of the fleeing suspects. They cannot evade justice forever. We are committed to apprehending everyone connected with this criminal act, including their sponsors and collaborators, and ensuring they face the full weight of the law," he said.
The commandant appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent vandalism and other criminal activities, assuring that all information received would be treated confidentially.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC Edo State Command's commitment to working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect critical national assets and ensure the safety of lives and property throughout the state.
