NSCDC arrests 120 suspected vandals in 5 months

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, said it had arrested 120  suspected pipelines vandals in the state between January and May 2017.

The State Commandant, Mr Tajundeen Balogun, made this disclosure on Monday, in Lagos, while receiving the Head of Lagos Editorial, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Mike Mbonye, who paid him a visit.

Balogun said that the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state, particularly in Ikorodu and Badagry, noting that the suspects had been sabotaging the nation’s economy.

“Ikorodu axis has been very challenging for us due to the type of terrain.

“So sad, that almost all security agencies have lost their men in Ikorodu; we have equally lost five men in the area.

“We have, however, secured the conviction of three persons for three years jail term. We ensure that there are empirical evidences before we embark on prosecution.

“The command is re-strategising with a view to improving on the successes we have recorded within the last five months. NSCDC has done well in Lagos State and we are still doing more.

“We have credibility and integrity as to the information members of the public gives us on trust. The intelligence networks of sister agencies also help.

“As at now, we have 159 armed personnel, manning power stations in Lagos to prevent vandalism. We do stop and search and monitoring the movement of fuel tankers in the state,’’ he said.

Balogun noted that owing to the performances of the command, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development gave him a commendation letter for the arrest of 21 illegal miners in Lagos.

In the letter dated, Jan. 19, 2017, a copy of which was shown to NAN, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Feyemi lauded the commandant for his act of diligence and commitment to duty.

Fayemi said that Balogun had demonstrated a high level of responsibility, dedication and transparency, urging him to continue his efforts for the development of the solid mineral sector.

Balogun, however, praised the Lagos State Government for the logistics and support for the corps, assuring that his officers would ensure that all critical infrastructures are protected.

He also applauded NAN for the effective coverage and accurate reportage of the corps’ activities.

“The media is very important to our operations; it gives information to the public on what we are doing and NAN, particularly with its large networks, will help us to pass information to the public,’’ he said

Earlier, Mbonye told the commandant that he was in his office to seek for more cooperation between the agency and the corps, assuring him of adequate coverage of his command.