Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, says it has arrested two suspects over alleged criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products, while impounding a truck conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Awka, describing the operation as another major breakthrough in the Command’s campaign against economic sabotage in the oil and gas sector.
It was gathered that the suspects, identified as 52-year-old Jonas Nwokpoko from Izza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and 28-year-old Chinweze Iloh from Omor in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, were arrested on Wednesday, July 22, during an intelligence-led operation by the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad.
Olatunde said the operatives intercepted the suspects at about 2:30 p.m. along Boromeu Road, near Limca Road, Onitsha, while they were conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated diesel in a truck.
He explained that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the distribution of adulterated petroleum products.
The Commandant said the truck was stopped for a routine inspection, during which the suspects failed to produce the required licences and other documents authorising the purchase, sale and transportation of petroleum products as stipulated under the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The inability of the suspects to produce complete relevant documents led to their arrest and the impoundment of the truck for illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable under Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act,” he said.
Olatunde described the activities of petroleum vandals and dealers in adulterated products as economic sabotage, warning that the NSCDC would sustain its crackdown on such crimes.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and curbing the illegal buying, selling and transportation of adulterated petroleum products across the state.
The Commandant said investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities, identify other members of the alleged syndicate and ensure that everyone connected to the operation is prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to help combat crime and enhance public safety in Anambra State.
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