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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has averted pipeline explosion that would have led to the destruction of lives and property in Alimosho area of the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSC Oluwaseun Abolurin, on Friday.
Abolurin said the vandalisation of the oil pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd at Liberty Estate and environs, in Alimosho Local Government Area, was averted, on Thursday.
He said that this was in line with the zero tolerance of the NSCDC Commandant General(CG), Ahmed Audi, to all forms of economic sabotage in Nigeria.
“The residents of the area alerted the command to leaked petroleum products, which almost caused panic and fear, leading to the close of some business activities and schools on Thursday.
“The NNPC maintenance team came to the scene later in the afternoon after being duly notified by the command.
“Maintenance operation was carried out on the lines,” Abolurin said.
He added that the NSCDC Commandant in Lagos State, Mr Usman Alfadarai, had posted personnel to the area to ensure adequate security and safety of lives and property.
“The operatives of the Corps had earlier cordoned the affected area to prevent unscrupulous elements from converting the ugly situation into an untoward advantage for themselves.
“Alfadarai, therefore, directed immediate 24/7 vigilance, surveillance, patrol and monitoring of the area to avoid further compromise.
“Alfadarai also warned vandals to desist from the act as the command will not rest on its oars to making sure that saboteurs are brought to book,” the NSCDC spokesperson said.
Abolurin said the Commandant appreciated residents of the area for offering prompt, credible and actionable intelligence to avoid what would have had a negative impact on the community.