Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State have arrested two suspected pipeline vandals in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area.
According to the state Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, the suspects were intercepted on August 17 in Awarra community following an intelligence-led operation.
He said the corps had intensified its surveillance of critical national assets, stressing that vandals would face the full weight of the law.
“We have escalated and heightened the intelligence of our men, in overt and covert forms, to protect our national economy,” he said, while calling on residents to provide verifiable information to aid arrests.
The suspects, both farmers from Ubomiri in Emoha, Rivers State, told investigators that they were deceived by one “Mr Kingdom,” currently on the run, into moving galvanized pipes into a bush at midnight.
Igwebueze assured that the suspects would be diligently prosecuted and urged locals to continue supporting security agencies with information, promising that informants’ identities would remain protected.
