The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 11 suspects for allegedly dealing illegally in oil bunkering in different parts of Rivers State.

The Rivers State Commandant of the agency, Michael Ogar, disclosed this while parading the suspects before journalists in Port Harcourt.

Ogar said the arrest was made by the command’s anti-vandal land patrol and marine forces.

He said the NSCDC was poised to wage a relentless war against economic saboteurs in the state, even as he decried the construction of local refineries and other illicit oil dealings which caused huge damage to the environment, including pollution and health hazards.

Ogar stated, “With renewed vigour and determination to rid the nation of oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products, the Rivers State Command Anti-Vandal Land Patrol and Marine Forces arrested 11 suspects from various locations across the state.

“An abandoned truck with registration number, Nasarawa LFA 757 XA, laden with about 14,500 litres of crude oil concealed in sacks was impounded at the Etche border of Rivers State.

“In addition, two suspects, Idowu Shaibu, 35, and Saheed Ibrahim, 30, were arrested in Port Harcourt City with a short ash colour Mercedez truck registered as Rivers SKP 355 XH, while in the conveyance of 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel.”

Ogar also disclosed that the corps impounded two cars along Agudama Street, D/Line, Port Harcourt, during a routine patrol.

The state NSCDC boss added the command would decisively deal with any officer caught in the act of aiding and abetting illegal oil bunkering activities.

Ogar disclosed that at the conclusion of investigation, all the suspects would be charged while the modes of conveyance and contents would be forfeited and the proceeds remitted to the Federal Government account. (Saturday PUNCH)