Thirteen suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oleh and Warri metropolis, Delta State.
Mrs. Beatrice Irabor, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, while speaking to newsmen in Asaba, the state capital, said the suspects were arrested with assistance from the vigilante group in the areas after the force was tipped-off.
The NSCDC State Commandant implored the citizens and communities to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies to assure better security.
She further warned youths in the state to shun the illegal act of bunkering.
In her explanation to newsmen, Mrs Irabor said: “The suspects were arrested on a tip-off and with the help of the vigilante groups in the areas. They (suspects) have been handed over to the police for further investigation.”
She added that the country at present is faced with the challenge of insecurity, urging the public to not leave security matters to security agencies alone.
“The NSCDC functions are protection of lives and property, protection of government infrastructure, supervision of private guards, protection of oil pipelines against vandalism, among other duties. The agency will continue to perform its constitutional functions,” she said.
Irabor also called on governments to provide security agencies with modern fighting equipment and communication gadgets to enable them to perform their functions of securing lives and properties.