NSCDC nabs three suspected vandals, seizes five trucks loaded with adulterated AGO

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspected vandals and seized five trucks loaded with 225,000 litres of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel in Akwa Ibom State.

The NSCDC commandant in the state, Mr Sulieman Mafara revealed this while interacting with newsmen at the command’s exhibits yard in Uyo on Monday.

Mafara said the suspects were arrested based on intelligence and surveillance by operatives of the Anti-Vandals of the NSCDC, Akwa Ibom State Command on September 9, 2022, along Port Harcourt bridge by East-West Expressway.

The commandant noted that two of the suspects abandoned their vehicle and escaped when they sighted the operatives.

According to him, the command would not relent on its mandate of protecting government critical assets and infrastructure from vandalism.

He said that the activities of oil theft and illegal refineries were economic sabotage, adding that the command would not give them any breathing space to operate in the state.

“We are here to parade the suspects and the trucks arrested and seized.

“It was on the 9th September 2022 following a credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by Officers and men of the anti-vandal unit of the Command came across five trucks loaded with illegally refined AGO.

“But, sighting my officers and men on the patrol, two of the suspects took to their hills and my men were able to arrest three drivers and seized the five trucks.

“The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) under the able leadership of Dr. Ahmed Audi will not relent on its efforts in curbing oil bunkering and theft in the Niger Delta.

“This poses serious economic implications on the Nigerian economy. So, in line with Federal Government to bring an end to this menace, Commandant-General has charged and supported us and the support is what led to the success we have recorded today.

“I want to appeal to well-meaning Nigerians that are involved in this kind of business, to think twice and then find other lawful means of livelihood for the betterment of the country

“We are will not relent on our efforts, we will continue to pursue them and there will no place for them to hide, he added.

Mafara however, stressed that the suspects will be charged to court on completion of the investigation.