The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stepped up its efforts against vandalism and related crimes, recording 28 operations that led to the arrest of more than 55 suspects since January 2024.
Speaking in Asaba, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Anthony Uchenna, said the arrests are part of ongoing measures to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.
He noted that the crackdown is already producing results in court, with six convictions secured so far. About 10 cases are still being tried, while others remain under investigation.
Uchenna raised concerns about the continued attacks on key oil and gas facilities, pointing out that installations formerly operated by AGIP, now under Oando, in Opa, Kwale, as well as another Oando facility in Okuagbe, were vandalised during the period under review.
He also highlighted repeated damage to power infrastructure, especially Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) towers in Warri, which were attacked twice within the same timeframe.
Telecom infrastructure has not been spared either, as vandals reportedly targeted a base station opposite the Federal College of Education in Asaba and made away with a 30KVA generator from a site in Ogwashi-Uku.
Describing the trend as alarming, Uchenna warned that attacks on public infrastructure pose serious risks to economic stability, public safety, and service delivery.
He added that beyond enforcement, the Command has also adopted non-violent approaches, resolving several disputes including farmer-herder clashes and domestic violence cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), while others are still being handled.
Uchenna reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and urged residents to stay alert and share useful information with security agencies to help tackle crime in the state.
