The Kwara State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested a total of 45 suspected oil pipeline vandals in the state last year.

The state commandant of the NSCDC, Augustine Obiekwe, disclosed this during a press briefing in Ilorin, the state capital on Tuesday.

He said that not less than five of the suspects had been sentenced to three years jail term each, adding that 40 others were being prosecuted at various courts of competent jurisdiction in the state.

Obiekwe said the feat was recorded through pro-active action of his men in intercepting vandals while in the act and through stop and search measures that were aimed at discouraging oil products diversion.

He also said that some of the suspected vandals were caught through routine surveillance and monitoring of the NNPC right of way.

Obiekwe said that various tools and equipment such as vehicles, digging instruments, pumping machines, welding machines, drums and jerry cans filled with Premium Motor Spirits (PMS), hand sets, among others were recovered from the vandals from different parts of the state including Oke Oyi in Ilorin East LGA and Afon-Kankan-Osin-Ladula axis of Asa LGA in the outgone year.

The NSDC boss, who said the corps had resolved not to allow vandals to thrive within the shores of the country, called for cooperation and collaboration of other security agencies.

He also appealed for support and assistance of communities where petroleum pipelines traversed, saying they should be vigilant and report suspicious movements to the Corps for appropriate and immediate actions.

Obiekwe, who said that host communities are exposed to a high risk when vandalism takes place, added that vandals are economic saboteurs.

He also warned all those in the illegal activities of vandalism to desist or stay away from the state, saying that the Corps would take more drastic measures against vandals this year.