SSS arrests vigilance group for vandalising petroleum pipeline in Niger

FIVE members of a vigilance group in Maje area of Suleja Local Government, Niger State, have been arrested by men of the state command of the State Security Service SSS for vandalising petroleum pipeline.
Crime & Security gathered that the men vandalised the pipeline around Mallam Karo village of Maje area, popularly referred to as Kilometre Two, before men of the State Security Service swooped on them.
It was gathered that the suspects used hammer and chisel to punch the pipeline and had already siphoned Automated Gas Oil (AGO) into about 180 jerry-cans meant to be illegally diverted into the market before they were arrested.
Investigations also revealed that Yusuf Isah, Saidu Shuaibu, Ibrahim Aho Ebine, Isiaka Agboriabo and Bola Kwafa were arrested while carrying out the nefarious act in the early hours of the day. A source in the area disclosed that “The uniqueness of the five suspects is that they are all vigilance group members of Maje. It is an irony that those entrusted with the local security of the area are in turn security risk.”
 When contacted, Niger State Director of SSS, Dr Larry Obiagwu, confirmed the development to Crime & Security. He said the five suspects were arrested in line with anti-pipeline vandalism campaign in Maje.