Doctor, others arrested over pipeline vandalism

The Inspector General of Police’s Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, has arrested 25 suspected vandals, including a medical doctor, for allegedly vandalising pipelines in different parts of the country.

Mr Friday Ibadin, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the task force, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos, while parading the suspects before journalists.

Ibadin said that some of suspects were arrested in Ikorodu, Takwa Bay, Altlas Cove and Owode in Lagos State, as well as Ibafo, Igbesa, Iperu, Sagamu and Fidewo in Ogun respectively.

He said that items recovered from them were two (33,000 litres) trucks loaded with petroleum products, 105 (50- litre) jerrycans and 18 (25 litres) jerry cans filled with petroleum products.

Other items included 32 drums filled with petroleum products, a pumping machine and an outboard engine.

“One of the suspects, popularly known as Sesan (a.k.a Vandal) has been on the wanted list. That name is not his real name. He lives big in his community, but his main job is to vandalise NNPC pipelines.

“There was a time he was arrested with eight (33,000 litres) trucks loaded with petroleum products. He was charged to court and returned to the business.

“Some of the suspects are buyers of the products from vandals. After investigation, they will be charged to court,” Ibadin said.

He explained that a medical doctor was arrested by the task force in Abuja Area for allegedly being involved in pipeline vandalism.

Ibadin disclosed that the suspect was being detained in Abuja.

According to the task force commander, the doctor, who has a clinic, claimed that he went into the business because it was more lucrative than the medical profession.