Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 13 suspects for criminal conspiracy, illegal dealing in petroleum products, illegal mining, and stealing of household wires in different operations across the state.
The Akwa Ibom Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Command’s exhibits yard in Uyo on Wednesday.
Eluwade said that based on intelligence, the operatives of the Anti-vandal squad intercepted a tanker truck suspected to be conveying about 45,000 litres of adulterated Automative Gas Oil (Diesel) along the Ikot Abasi-Port Harcourt highway.
He added that within the month, the NSCDC Marine Squad in collaboration with the Nigeria Navy, Forward Operating Base in Ibaka arrested six suspects with 17 drums 300 litres per drum of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The state commandant added that operatives of NSCDC also arrested three suspects for involvement in illegal mining activity in the state.
Eluwade added that the command in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested two suspects for stealing household wires from a residential apartment in Uyo.
“On February 11, operatives of the Anti-vandal squad intercepted a tanker truck suspected to be conveying about 45,000 litres of adulterated Automative Gas Oil (Diesel) along Ikot Abasi-Port Harcourt highway.
“Similarly, on February 14, the NSCDC Marine Squad in collaboration with the Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka arrested six suspects with 17 drums (300 litres per drum) of Premium Motor Spirit.
“You will recall that earlier this year, we read the riot Act to miners in the state to operate within the legally approved framework and environmental stipulations or face dire consequences when apprehended.
“Finally, the corps in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two male suspects for stealing household wires from a residential apartment in Uyo.
“The suspects were arrested on Feb. 2 at Ndiya Etok in Ikono LGA with about 10kg of household wires,” Eluwade said.
Eluwade warned perpetrators of crimes in the state to stay clear as the arm of the law is long enough to catch them.
The commandant also warned those who buy stolen wires, cables, metals, and other vandalised materials to desist as they will be held accountable for complicity in vandalism when caught with these products.
The state commandant said that the suspects would be charged as soon as investigations were concluded.