NSCDC nabs 9 suspects, impounds 3 trucks in A’Ibom

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested nine suspects, for illegal dealings in petroleum products and other offences, and impounded three trucks conveying 135, 000 litres of petroleum products in Akwa Ibom.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this during a press briefing on Saturday at the Command headquarters in Uyo.

Eluwade said the Anti-vandal Unit of the command was arrested on July 14 along the Ikot Abasi- Port Harcourt Expressway in Akwa Ibom.

“The trucks were halted for a routine inspection of documents by NSCDC personnel who insisted on sighting relevant papers including the licence to buy, sell and convey petroleum products as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act.

“The inability of the suspects to produce complete relevant documents led to their arrest and their trucks impounded for illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable by section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

“Two of the trucks were conveying about 45,000 litres each of Automative Gas Oil (AGO) popularly known as diesel.

“The third truck was conveying about 45,000 litres of Petroleum Product suspected to be Crude oil or used engine oil, a petroleum by-product for which a license is also required to buy, sell or transport,” Eluwade said.

Meanwhile, the state commandant added that another suspect was also arrested by operatives of the agency on July 15 in Idu Uruan, Uruan LGA for criminal conspiracy, tampering and theft of Armoured Cable in a transformer at the Nigeria Medical Association Center in Uruan.

He said that the suspect, who is currently under investigation is believed to have connived with criminals who breached the security of the facility where he was providing security and vandalised and stole armoured cable.

Eluwade restated the commitment of the NSCDC to curtail all forms of illegalities; including; illegal bunkering, adulteration of petroleum products, operating without a licence, and illegal refining to the barest minimum.

He warned against vandalism of public utilities; describing it as a crime against society, as it deprives everyone of the common good, they are meant to enjoy.

The commandant said that the suspects would be charged in Court as soon as investigations are concluded to serve as deterrent to others criminals.