The 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State made a major breakthrough yesterday in arresting 28 thieves who specialised in siphoning fuel from pipelines owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.
The thieves operate in Ogere area of Remo North local government area of Ogun state.
The suspects, who were paraded before newsmen included a female, Yemi Ogungbade, 25, and three notorious members that confessed to having been involved in the illegal operation, with the support of some Policemen whose identities were revealed.
The trio of Monday Bitrus, Umar and Salisu confessed that they were working for some Mobile Policemen at Ogere town and they were paid between N5,000 -N10,000 for siphoning fuel into a number of jerry cans.
According to Monday, “one, Sgt. Aremu used to give me sometimes N5000 for getting five jerry cans and he will secure the road for us. I know his house and family, “he confessed.
The Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigdr. General D.D. Ahamdu who took newsmen to the scene of the vandalization said the damaged pipeline used to steal the petroleum product is the one supplying the NNPC depot at Mosinmi, Sagamu. The depot feeds the entire South West of Nigeria.
At the scene, a total of 363 jerry cans filled with at least 25 litres of fuel each were intercepted. Seven vehicles and 200m cable hose used to siphon the product were also recovered.
He said the Brigade will embark on thorough investigations before handing over to the appropriate security agency.
Also present at the Barrack this morning was NSCDC team, led by the state commandant, Aboluwoye Akinwande.
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