The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has said it arrested 234 suspects in 2015 for vandalism of government’s critical infrastructure and other offences.
This disclosure was made by the Lagos State Corps Commander, Mr. Gabriel Abafi, on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Ikeja.
According to him, the command contributed immensely to ensuring that critical assets within its domain were protected.
Abafi said, “In view of the operation of the command in 2015, the command arrested 234 suspects for vandalism.
“The command had between January and December in the area of anti-vandalism arrested about 150 suspected vandals who were caught vandalising petroleum pipelines and installations.
“The activities of the command spread across Anti-Vandalism, Disaster Management, Surveilance/Intelligence gathering and supervision of Private Guards Companies among others.
“The arrests were made in different locations from Badagry to Isawo-Ikorodu, Amuwo Odofin, FESTAC Town, Ijora Waterfront and Oyingbo in Ebute Meta Waterfront, Igando, Ibeju Lekki/Epe axis and Apapa.”
The Commander added that it was pertinent to note that all those areas were prone to vandalism.
“Some suspects who were involved in adulteration of petroleum products, were also arrested,” he said, disclosing that all the petroleum products seized in the course of the arrests so far in 2015 have been transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Abafi also said that the command in protecting the national assets ensured that all the electricity and telecommunications installations were protected.
However, “there was vandalism of these installations in different locations in Lagos, especially in Ikeja axis, adding that it was pertinent to note that all the culprits were arrested,’’ he said.
He said the command ensured that all private guard companies within Lagos metropolis complied with the rules and regulations guiding their operations.
He added that the command sealed about 50 private guard companies which were operating illegally and helped in the registration process and renewal of licenses for some of them.
Abafi noted that within the period under review, the suspected vandals arrested had been arraigned in different courts within Lagos after conclusion of investigation by the command’s Intelligence Unit.
He said the corps had been able to assist in emergency situations in 2015 and thanked other sister agencies which assisted the command for the good of the country at large, adding that the corps would continue to maintain 24 hour security surveillance everywhere.
“We are mindful of this and we will do our best to curtail it.
“The command will focus especially on Lagos waterways this year.
“Statistics have shown that majority of the crimes committed within the state are through the waterways,” Abafi noted.
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