The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo Command, has arrested two suspected pipeline vandals in Esan West Local Government Area of the state as part of efforts to combat economic sabotage and protect critical national assets.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed this at a news briefing on Sunday in Benin.

Ogbebor said the suspects were arrested during a joint intelligence-led operation.

According to him, the operation was carried out by the NSCDC in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security.

The operation, he said, was conducted at a cattle market in Idumabor, Ekpoma, where the suspects were tracked and apprehended.

According to him, the suspects had been on the watch list of the command for some time before intelligence gathering and surveillance led to their arrest.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the Edo Command, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Security, carried out a successful operation that resulted in the arrest of two suspected pipeline persons, who specialise in vandalising NNPC oil pipelines,” he said.

The NSCDC spokesperson said preliminary interrogation yielded useful information, saying that the suspects made useful confessional statements regarding their involvement in the criminal activities.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and dismantle the entire network behind this heinous crime,” he said.

According to the spokesman, one of the suspects, told investigators that he bought the pipeline component for N4 million.

He said both suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law after the conclusion of investigations.

Ogbebor reiterated the commitment of the State Commandant, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

“The command remains unwavering in combating all forms of economic sabotage across Edo ,” he said.

He warned individuals involved in pipeline vandalism and related crimes to desist or leave the state.

“There will be no hiding place for criminals determined to undermine government’s efforts at safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.

“The NSCDC remains resolute in ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice,” he said. (NAN)