Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command has arrested two suspects and impounded nine trucks loaded with 400, 000 litres of suspected adulterated petroleum products.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state commandant, Mr Suleiman Mafara, in Uyo and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
Mafara said the seizure was made possible by a combined team of the NSCDC operatives, the Nigerian Army and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
He explained that the operations lasted between November 12th and 20th along Eket, Ikot Abasi and Etinan Local Government Areas where the trucks were impounded with the products.
He said that most of the drivers of the trucks ran away on sighting security operatives, as only two were apprehended during the operations.
“As part of the fight of oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta and in furtherance of the directive of the Commandant General.
“The Command has through the concerted, coordinated and collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Army and IPMAN successfully cracked down on criminals who sabotage activities in the oil and gas sector.
“We have impounded 9 trucks containing petroleum products like AGO, LPFO and crude oil. The fight is ongoing, and we will not relent until we rid the state of criminal elements,” Mafara said.
Mafara appreciated the synergy the Corps enjoyed with sister security agencies and well-meaning groups like IPMAN all through the joint operations.
He said the NSCDC was ready and willing to partner with individuals, organisations and groups in the interest of the country.
The commandant warned criminals to stay away from the illicit act of sabotaging the nation’s economy, stressing that the suspects will be charged in court as soon as investigations were concluded.