The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested three persons for alleged vandalisation of an oil pipeline, oil theft, and illegal dealings in petroleum products at Umuowaga Umuelechi Obuzo Asa in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State.

The arrest was announced on Monday in a statement by Doreen Udugwu, the command’s Public Relations Officer.

According to the statement, the successful arrest was made possible through actionable intelligence, which prompted the anti-vandal patrol team of the command to respond swiftly. During the operation, substantial quantities of petroleum products were discovered.

The arrested suspects were identified as the duo of Oscar Eteobong, 37, and Isaac Aniete Edemba Udoh, 40, respectively from Abak and Obot Akara local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, and Emmanuel Uzoma Sunday, 20, from Isiala-Ngwa North, Abia State.

The Abia State Commandant of NSCDC, Akinsola Aderemi, stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the criminal enterprise of sabotaging the nation’s economy.