In various parts of Rivers State, the Anti-vandal Land Patrol and Marine Forces of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have apprehended eleven individuals suspected of oil vandalism.

Yesterday, at the Command's headquarters, the suspects were displayed, and the Commandant, Michael Ogar, restated his dedication to fighting against economic saboteurs who are enriching themselves through their engagement in illegal activities such as oil theft, unlawful trade of petroleum products, destruction of oil pipelines, and oil bunkering practices.

During his visit to the Command's exhibit yard located in Ogbogoro, Obio/Akpor Local Council of the state, Ogar mentioned that two suspects, namely Idowu Shaibu, aged 35, and Saheed Ibrahim, aged 30, were apprehended by the operatives in Port Harcourt City council. In addition, a short ash-coloured Mercedes Truck with registration number RIVERS SKP 355 XH was confiscated while it was carrying 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

Furthermore, he stated that his team impounded two vehicles, a Black Toyota Avalon car, and an ox-blood Camry car along Agudama Street D/line in Port Harcourt council during their regular patrol. Although the owners are currently at large, the Commandant emphasized that efforts are being made to capture them.

While some suspects were being interrogated, a few of them denied their participation in illicit oil-related activities. According to one of the suspects, Saviour Kenku, he was apprehended inside a local boat in Bakana River while he and his companions were gathering firewood. He insisted that they were not engaged in oil bunkering.