NSCDC seizes illegal ethanol tanker

 Etim Ekpimah

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has seized a 45,000-litre tanker carrying a substance suspected to be illegally obtained ethanol, and arrested three suspects.

Mrs Geraldine Abetianbe, Commandant of the NSCDC in Akwa Ibom State, made this announcement during a press briefing in Uyo on Friday.

She explained that operatives acted on reliable intelligence to intercept the vehicle at around 13:00 on Tuesday, 23 June, at Ikot Umo Essien along the Aba Road in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

“The tanker was found loaded with what we believe to be ethanol, acquired without proper authorisation. Three individuals were taken into custody at the scene,” she stated.

The operation followed reasonable grounds to suspect the illegal procurement and transportation of regulated products. During questioning, the suspects produced a waybill that contained clear inconsistencies. Further checks confirmed that the stated loading point was not genuine, proving the cargo had not been sourced legally.

Commandant Abetianbe noted that the success was achieved through inter-agency cooperation and prompt sharing of information.

She warned that unauthorised trade in petroleum and related products constitutes both a criminal offence and economic sabotage. Such activities deny the government revenue, put lives at risk through adulteration and fire hazards, and threaten national security.

She reaffirmed that the NSCDC, as the body responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure, will remain firm in its duties.

“We will continue to pursue vandals, illegal dealers, adulterators and anyone involved in diverting or transporting these products unlawfully,” she added.