Cross Rivers NSCDC Arrests 63 Vandals, Oil Thieves, Others, Secures Four Convictions In 2023

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River Command, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, said it has arrested 63 suspected illegal miners, armoured cable thieves, vandals of public infrastructure and crude oil thieves in 2023.

The state NSCDC Commandant, Mr Charles Brown, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Thursday, said most of the suspects were granted administrative bail.

He added that six of the suspects were taken to court for prosecution and four among them were convicted.

“Investigation is still been carried out on 12 of the arrested suspects, eight are still in the custody of the NSCDC while others were either discharged or granted administrative bail,” he said.

Brown explained that 17.1mm armoured cable vandalised by some of the suspects was recovered by the command, while 20 drums of petrol and two articulated vehicles laden with crude oil were impounded.

He stressed that the command would continue to be resolute in the discharge of its mandate, and urged for the support of the general public.

“We are sounding a note of warning to those who engage in the criminal act of vandalism and other form of crimes that, Cross River is no longer a safe haven for their nefarious activities, they must desist forthwith,” Brown added.

(NAN)