The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Tuesday announced the arrest of two suspected oil thieves at Igbomatoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Mr Desmond Agu, State Commandant of NSCDC, told newsmen in Yenagoa that the suspects were “caught in the act” and arrested with a crude-laden boat.

According to him, the boat containing a yet-to-be-ascertained volume of crude oil as well as the suspects, are now in the custody of the NSCDC.

“The suspects were arrested on Sunday night when they were conveying the consignment of crude, the NSCDC impounded a locally made boat laden with illegally sourced crude along the creek in Igbomatoru,” Agu said

He explained that the two suspects, males aged 19 and 25, are being interrogated and would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Agu said that the Anti-Vandalism Unit of NSCDC in collaborations with a private security firm Guardian Dragon arrested the suspects and impounded the boat and its cargo near Agip’s oil field in Igbomatoru community.

He said that the Command has launched a manhunt for the alleged sponsor of the suspected oil thieves and intensified patrols in the creeks and waterways to protect oil installations.

The Commandant solicited the support of community leaders in oil communities and urged them to prevail on their subjects to refrain from oil theft and illegal bunkering.

He also appealed to the community leaders to guard against strangers using their domain to perpetrate oil theft which deprived the state and federal government of revenue.

He noted the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism was a collective responsibility of all as it was an economic sabotage to the nation.

•Photo shows the suspected oil thieves after their arrest . . . on Sunday.