Abia State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) has intensified its effort to quash the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandalism in the state.

Abia State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Benito Eze, made the development known on Tuesday in Umuahia.

Mr Eze hinted reporters that the menace of pipeline vandalism and oil bunkering are sabotaging economic developments and destroying the environments.

The NSCDC Commandant called on all citizens to join hands with the security to put an end to oil bunkering.

He warned vandals to stay clear of the pipelines because the Command would stop at nothing to bring to book, those involved in the dastardly act.

The NSCDC had recently established a Pipeline Protection Unit to carry out aggressive crusade and increase surveillance on the petroleum pipelines that traverse across some communities.

To this end, about five men were arrested carrying different sizes of gallons filled with petroleum product which they siphoned through an illegal criminal activity by putting on a nozzle that made the pipeline leak which led to wastage and economic sabotage.

According to the Commandant, the suspects operated as cartels, but efforts are being made through intelligent information to expose those involved in the criminal acts.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court for criminal offences, sabotage and destruction of critical infrastructure of government.