Parading the suspects at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja, the NSCDC Commandant, General, Dr. Ade Abolurin, said most of them were caught in the act.
Six of the suspects were arrested with the help of the State Security Service (SSS) at the Central District area of Abuja while vandalising manholes, he said.
Ten others were apprehended with adulterated gas and diesel while one was caught vandalising an armoured cable in Sauka, Airport road.
Also, seven tankers were seized by the NSCDC with three of them being arrested in the bush in Dobi village, Gwagwalada at midnight when crude oil from vandalised pipes were being loaded into them.
While accusing the suspects of lack of patriotism, the NSCDC boss said they attempted to bribe his men when they were arrested.
He stressed that a bribe of N200,000 was immediately handed over to his men upon the arrest with a promise of N5 million more if they kept their mouth shut.
“It’s a cartel. They have those they use at a particular level. But however, we will continue to deal with the situation,” he said.
