NSCDC arrests six for illegally dealing in petroleum products

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom Command has arrested six suspects for criminal conspiracy, illegal dealing in petroleum products and impersonation.

The State Commandant NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday.

Eluwade said that the suspects were arrested along the Calabar-Itu Highway on Monday, January 29 by operatives of the Anti-vandal squad after a tip-off.

He said that during the operations, the command also impounded a MAC truck used by the suspects in conveying the illegal products as well as a Toyota Camry car used for escorting and clearing the way for the truck to pass through checkpoints without scrutiny.

He said that the suspects who were acting as a joint task force of a security agency were escorting a truck conveying about 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly known as Diesel to an unknown destination without requisite documents.

“The command acting on intelligence information deploys personnel who intercepted the suspects along Calabar-Itu higher way.

“The suspects, who are currently undergoing investigations at the NSCDC State Command headquarters to include; Abbas Ohis, Jubrin James, Aniefiok Okon, Maduka Ojukwu, Idorenyin Etim and Uche Ahechukwu all males,” Eluwade said.

The NSCDC boss warned perpetrators of illegalities in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry to refrain from their nefarious activities.

He added that the corps remains committed to executing the mandate of combating all acts of economic sabotage in the oil and gas industry in Akwa Ibom. 

The state commandant said that Investigations into the matter are ongoing to establish other variables and facts after which the suspects will be charged in court.