The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has foiled an attempted pipeline vandalism operation in Obazagbon Community, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this in Benin on Friday.
According to him, operatives of the command’s Anti-Vandal Unit also recovered equipment allegedly used by suspected vandals.
He said the operatives, who were working with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo Governor on Pipeline Security and Surveillance, intercepted the suspects.
The NSCDC boss said the suspects were intercepted during a routine patrol along the NNPC pipeline corridor at about 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.
“The operatives encountered a group of suspected vandals excavating and vandalizing the pipeline.
“On sighting our operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape.
“Our personnel responded professionally, forcing the criminals to abandon the operation and flee into the surrounding bush,” Akintayo said.
He said items recovered from the scene included five long gas cylinders, two motorcycles, two shovels and two digger heads.
The commandant described the operation as another major breakthrough in the command’s sustained efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
He, however, warned criminal elements and their sponsors to stay away from oil and gas facilities, stressing that the corps remained committed to safeguarding critical infrastructure.
“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.
Akintayo appealed to residents of Edo to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that would help prevent pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities.
He assured the public that all information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The commandant reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect critical national assets and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state. (NAN).
