The 1 Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army today paraded two suspected oil pipeline vandals and illegal oil bunkerers who were arrested at Sabon Gina village along former Kaduna-Abuja express way.

Parading the suspects to news men at the 1 Division Strike Force Base, Gonin Gora, Commander, 41 Division Engineers and I Division Internal Security Force, Brigadier Tagbubo Ude, said the two suspects were arrested on Thursday, March 21, at about 2:15 a.m.

While handing the suspects over to State Police Command for further investigation, the Commander noted that two other suspects are still at large.

Explaining how the suspects were arrested he said: “Our troops were alerted on the activities of some suspected oil pipeline vandals and illegal oil bunkers at Sabon Gida village which is about six kilometres off former Kaduna-Abuja road at the toll gate.

“On getting there, the suspects took to their heels. However, two of them, Usman Umar and Musa Inuwa, were apprehended, while those at large are Mr. Chris and Mr. Musa Inuwa.”

Brigadier Ude affirmed that efforts are being made to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“A preliminary investigation was conducted by the Military Intelligence and Military Police units and today, we are handing over the suspects and the impounded items to Kaduna State Police Command of the Nigerian Police Force for further Investigation and prosecution,” Ude said.

“It is pertinent to say here that since the arrest of these men and confiscation of their vehicles and equipment there has not been a single incidence of oil pipeline vandalisation or illegal oil bunkering in Kaduna State,” he added.

Brigadier Ude further stated that the arrest made by his men showed that the syndicate has for long been involved in illegal oil bunkering and oil pipeline vandalisation in the state.

He called on law-abiding citizens to always provide useful information that will lead to arrest of criminals in the society.

The four petroleum tankers arrested have the following registration numbers: Gombe XF 786 GME, Nasarawa NSW 05 FA, Plateau AA 413 AKW and Sokoto XA 445 GDA.

Other items recovered were 3 generators, 5 larger hoses, 2 punching bars, 1 drilling machine, 1 sledge hammer, 1 digger and handle, 3 assorted tanker keys, 1 short hose and welding appliances.

All these items, including the suspects, were handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Yahaya Bello, on behalf of the state Police Command.

•Photo shows Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Onyeabor Ihejirika.