By Usman Aliyu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo Command, has arrested two suspects for alleged purchased of diesel siphoned from telecommunication towers in the state.
Mr Saidi Akintayo, state Commandant of the corps disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Benin.
Akintayo said that the arrest was part of efforts to dismantle networks fueling economic sabotage in the state.
He said that the suspects aged 21, and 29 respectively, were apprehended on Thursday during an intelligence-led operation at Utesi community in the state.
According to him, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department in collaboration with the Intelligence and Investigation Department.
The NSCDC boss said the operation followed the arrest and parade of another suspect on June 15 for allegedly siphoning diesel from an IHS telecommunications transceiver facility in the area.
“Following that arrest, I directed further investigation and intelligence gathering to identify other persons involved in the illegal supply chain and uncover those creating a market for stolen petroleum products,” he said.
The commandant said several exhibits suspected to be connected to the illegal transaction were recovered during the latest operation.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly engaged in the purchase of diesel from unauthorised and questionable sources.
“Their activities are believed to contribute to the vandalism of critical infrastructure and economic sabotage,” he added.
Akintayo revealed that investigations were ongoing to identify other collaborators and establish the full scope of the operation.
“Upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” he said.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.
“We will continue to deploy intelligence and operational strategies to dismantle criminal networks and deny economic saboteurs any operating space,” he also said.
The commandant also commended the Edo Government for supporting security agencies and strengthening the state’s security architecture.
He acknowledged the collaboration among security agencies in Edo, noting that intelligence sharing and coordinated operations had contributed to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.
He warned individuals involved in vandalism, illegal purchase of stolen petroleum products and related crimes to desist or “be prepared to face the full weight of the law”.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)