Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo state have arrested 12 suspects for illegal oil bunkering, illegal mining, stealing, and vandalism.

The arrest of the suspects was made in a collaborative effort with men of the Nigerian Army.

Parading the suspects at the NSCDC headquarters in Akure, the Commandant of the Corps, Oluyemi Ibiloye, said they were arrested following intelligence gathering about their illegal activities in the state.

He revealed that three of the suspects, Oduga Promise (32), Sunday (28), and Adebayo Segun (18), were nabbed for illegal oil bunkering at Igbokoda in Ilaje LGA.

According to Mr Ibiloye, the exhibits recovered from the suspects included about 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and a Toyota Sienna car with Reg No: Ondo AKR 876 NP.

He added that Kabiru Muazu (27), Aminu Adamu (30), Aminu Garuba, Buhari Lawal (25), and Mustapha Auwal (18) were arrested at the Ogunlepa mining site in Odigbo LGA for illegal mining.

Regarding stealing, the Corps commandant stated that Richard Sunday (20), Bashiru Abdullahi (20), and Aderinboye Adesola (44) were arrested at Imafon and Oda town in Akure North LGA for stealing and buying stolen goods.

He also mentioned that Paul Johnson (35) was arrested in Ore, Odigbo LGA, for vandalising and stealing 33kva aluminium cables concealed in a commercial vehicle heading to Lagos.

While warning that his men would not allow the country’s national wealth to be plundered by selfish elements, Mr Ibiloye advised the public to always provide timely and useful information to security agencies to rid the state of criminality.