NSCDC arrests eight suspects, impounds seven trucks with 315,000 litres of AGO

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, has arrested eight suspects and impounded seven trucks containing 315, 000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Suleman Mafara, said this while briefing newsmen at the command’s exhibits yard in Uyo on Monday.

Mafara stated that the suspects were arrested based on intelligence and surveillance by operatives of the Anti-Vandals of the NSCDC Akwa Ibom Command on July 7 along Calabar-Itu Highway, barely 24 hours after his assumption of duty in the state.

He added that the command would not relent on its mandate of protecting government critical assets and infrastructure from vandalism.

According to him, the activities of vandals and criminals were economic sabotage, adding that the command would not give them any breathing space to operate in the state.

“Today being Monday 18 July 2022 the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command is parading eight suspects arrested in possession of AGO obtained through illegal means.

“A total of seven trucks were impounded carrying 315, 000 litres of adulterated petroleum products (AGO) believed to have been possessed illegally through bunkering and falsification of documents and waybills.

“They were arrested along Calabar- Itu Highway moving to various parts of the country. We have commenced our investigations and we have almost completed them.

“As soon as we finish our investigation, we are charging them to Court. I want to make it clear to all Nigerians that the NSCDC under the leadership of our Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, the Corps will not relent in tackling all forms of criminal activities in the country.

“I want to use this medium to appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to support NSCDC for the betterment of the Nigerian society,” Mafara said.

The commandant assured Akwa Ibom people that the Command would make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements.