The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Abia State Command has apprehended nine individuals suspected of vandalism in Umuelechi, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The arrests, announced by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Doreen Udugwu, in a press statement released Wednesday night, followed a successful operation by the NSCDC’s anti-vandal squad. The squad uncovered an illegal refinery based on reliable intelligence, acting under the directives of NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar.
The suspects include Chima Ginikanwa, 36, from Isiala Mbano, Imo State; Wisdom Uduak, 16, from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Sunday Edihl, 32, from Ogoja, Cross Rivers State; Susan Simeon, 50, from Onitsha, Anambra State; Star Thomas, 24, from Obingwa LGA; Victor Williams Umah, 26, from Ohafia LGA; Ikocha Nnamdi, 35, from Obuzor, Ukwa West LGA; Onyeyirichi Omenihu, 25, from Ukwa West LGA; and Blessing Chima, 33, from Umuelechi, Ukwa West LGA. Authorities recovered seven sacks containing 50 liters of crude oil during the operation.
State Commandant Akinsola Aderemi commended the public for providing critical information that enabled the arrests and urged citizens to continue sharing timely tips to help combat oil theft and sabotage.
