The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday paraded eight suspects for oil theft and impounded seven trucks containing 315,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Suleman Ibrahim Mafara, NSCDC Commandant in the state, made this known in a press briefing with newsmen at the Command’s exhibits yard in Uyo, capital city of the state.
According to Mafara, the suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence and surveillance by operatives of the Anti-Vandals unit of the Command on July 7 along the Calabar-Itu highway, barely 24 hours after his assumption of duty in the state. The Trumpet Gathered
Marafa, who assured the public that the command would not relent on its mandate of protecting government critical assets and infrastructure from vandalism, also noted that the activities of vandals and criminals were economic sabotage, so should not be tolerated.
He said, “Today, being Monday 18 July 2022, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, 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.
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“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.”
While assuring the people of Akwa Ibom State that the Command would make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements, the NSCDC Commandant reiterate his commitments to serve the people of the state.
