Imo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday paraded five suspects for bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
They were intercepted by NSCDC officials with a truck load of petroleum products concealed in polythene sacks. The products were suspected to have been siphoned from a vandalised pipeline.
The Commandant, Stephen Lar, said the truck was conveying about 20,000 litres of diesel before it was intercepted last Saturday night on Owerri/Onitsha road.
He said on sighting the officers, who were on routine patrol, the suspects attempted to escape, but were pursued and caught.
โWhen my men saw the truck while on routine patrol on Onitsha road, they pursued and intercepted it. Upon searching it, they discovered that the occupants were conveying bunkered petroleum products concealed in polythene sacks to beat security check.โ
Lar said the vandals had devised a means to beat security check by using vehicles belonging to reputable companies to convey stolen petroleum products.
โIt is worrisome that these criminals use vehicles of reputable companies to carry these products. When you see them, you will think they are carrying cement or other goods.โ
The commandant, who warned youths to keep away from crime, said the suspects would be arraigned after investigations.
