NSCDC Command arrests 60 petrol pipeline vandals in Lagos. READ MORE

According to a statement, the vandals are becoming more sophisticated in their mode of operations.

 
Nigeria has lost a minimum of N8.04 billion since January, to the incessant vandalism of the country’s gas pipelines, according to the Nigerian Gas Company, NGC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested over 60 suspected vandals for their involvement in vandalising critical government infrastructure.

A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer,Chibuzor Mefor, on Friday, May 16, in Lagos, said the Commandant, Gabriel Abafi, made the disclosure during the review of the Corps’ activities so far since the year.

The statement said its Anti-Vandal Unit arrested the suspected vandals for engaging in the vandalism of petroleum pipelines and installations.

"In spite of the face off we had at Owutu Isawo area of Ikorodu with suspected pipeline vandals in January where three of NSCDC personnel were abducted by the vandals, the Corps have in collaboration with other security agencies ensured that sanity is restored to the area.

"The vandals are becoming more sophisticated in their mode of operations, but this will not deter the corps from carrying out its statutory functions.

"We have been equipped more by the Federal Government in the area of logistics to ensure 24 hours surveillance on government critical infrastructures,’’ it said.

On Private Guard Companies (PGC), the statement said the command successfully sealed over 30 operating illegally in the state.

It said the sealing was in line with its mandate to licence and supervise the activities of the private guards companies in Nigeria.

"We have discovered that most of these companies operate without a designated office address.

"Most of them recruit guards and send them straight to their clients without proper training and documentation.

"We have traced some of the companies through their guards that we arrested at various locations in Lagos. For those we cannot trace, we gave disengagement letters to their clients.

"We appeal to those who are interested in the business to obtain their licences from the National Headquarters, Abuja and those whose licences have expired should go for the renewal,’’ it said.

The statement noted that the Anti-Fraud Unit of the command isn currently handling about 20 cases of all manners of fraud ranging from visa scam, land and employment scams.

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