Date: 2013-03-04

Critical Infrastructure Monitoring Unit of the Kwara State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three-man syndicate which specialised in siphoning diesel used to power telecommunication masts erected in various parts of the state.

Parading the suspects in Ilorin, the NSCDC commandant, Mallam Yerima Gana, said the three suspects, among whom were two employees of a private security outfit, posted to guard the mast, were apprehended while allegedly stealing the petroleum product from a telecom mast located behind NNPC mega filling station at Kutu area of Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

The commandant, who said the three accused persons had confessed to the crime, added that “the two employees of the private security outfit allegedly sold the petroleum product to the third accused person, who is a mill grinding operator.

“They said they usually sell 10 litres of diesel to their ‘customer’ once or twice in a month.”

Mallam Gana, who said the efforts of the Critical Infrastructure Monitoring Unit were already yielding fruits, solicited for more cooperation from members of the public to ensure reduction in criminal activities.

He also warned members of the public to always get their petroleum products from legal sources, adding that, “buying petroleum products from black market remains illegal and the corps shall continue to monitor and bring perpetrators to book in accordance with the provision of the relevant laws of the land.