Nigeria Security Agency Detains Two Individuals Accused of Purchasing Stolen Fuel from Telecommunication Sites

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo Command, has apprehended two individuals for allegedly purchasing diesel siphoned from telecommunication towers in the state, according to Mr Saidi Akintayo, the state Commandant of the corps.

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During a press briefing in Benin on Friday, Akintayo revealed that the arrest was a key component of the corps' efforts to dismantle networks fueling economic sabotage in the state.

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The suspects, aged 21 and 29 respectively, were taken into custody on Thursday during an intelligence-led operation at Utesi community in the state, which was conducted by operatives of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department in collaboration with the Intelligence and Investigation Department.

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The operation followed the arrest and parade of another suspect on June 15 for allegedly siphoning diesel from an IHS telecommunications transceiver facility in the area, prompting Akintayo to direct further investigation and intelligence gathering to identify other persons involved in the illegal supply chain.

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Akintayo stated that several exhibits suspected to be connected to the illegal transaction were recovered during the latest operation, with preliminary investigation revealing that the suspects allegedly engaged in the purchase of diesel from unauthorised and questionable sources.

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Their activities are believed to contribute to the vandalism of critical infrastructure and economic sabotage, according to Akintayo, who added that investigations were ongoing to identify other collaborators and establish the full scope of the operation.

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Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly, Akintayo said, reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

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The command will continue to deploy intelligence and operational strategies to dismantle criminal networks and deny economic saboteurs any operating space, Akintayo also said.

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Akintayo commended the Edo Government for supporting security agencies and strengthening the state’s security architecture, acknowledging the collaboration among security agencies in Edo.

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He noted that intelligence sharing and coordinated operations had contributed to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property, and warned individuals involved in vandalism, illegal purchase of stolen petroleum products and related crimes to desist or face the full weight of the law.

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Akintayo urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility.