NSCDC arrests 15 suspected oil thieves, impounds seven trucks

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has nabbed 15 oil thieve suspects and impounded seven trucks loaded with 315, 000 litres of substance suspected to be illegally acquired petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, said this while briefing newsmen at the command exhibit yard in Uyo.

Eluwade said that the men of the Anti-Vandal Squad of the command arrested the suspects along Calabar – Itu highway on July 7 acting on credible intelligence.

“Our newly rejigged Anti-Vandal Squad has arrested 15 suspects for suspected criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.

“We have impounded seven trucks with a combined capacity of 315,000 litres of illegally acquired petroleum products.

“Investigations are still ongoing to determine if the product is crude oil or High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) as claimed by the suspects.

“Samples of the products have been obtained and would be taken for forensic analysis in an NNPC laboratory, after which the suspects will be charged in court.

“From preliminary investigations, the waybills presented showed an expired license to deal in petroleum products,” Eluwade said.

The commandant warned that the Corps would not tolerate any form of criminality, economic sabotage and vandalism of government critical infrastructure in the state in line with the directive of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, as it has robbed the government of huge revenue.

Eluwade assured the Akwa Ibom people of his readiness to work to ensure the security of lives, properties and critical infrastructures.

He warned criminals to desist from illegal bunkering and vandalism as is not going to be easy for them, stressing that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

He enjoined the good people of Akwa Ibom and youths to partner with the corps by giving the corps intelligence to work to ensure safety in the state.