The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State recently apprehended four individuals for their alleged involvement in illegal activities related to petroleum products in Sabon Wise Local Government Area.
The Commandant, Joachim Okafor, shared this information in Minna, the state capital, highlighting that the Anti-Vandal Squad conducted the arrests based on credible intelligence pointing to their illicit dealings.
Okafor detailed that the suspects were operating an oil dump site where they were found with production equipment and materials for mixing Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).
LPFO, commonly known as black oil, was being adulterated through the combination of condemned oil, crude oil, and premium motor spirit.
The suspects, identified as Abdullahi Musa (45 years old from Jigawa State), Hussein Sulaiman (25 years old from Nasarawa State), Murtala Mohammed (37 years old), and Mohammed Sanusi (35 years old), both from Kano State, confessed to their involvement in the illegal activities.
They admitted to operating the oil dump site and acknowledged the process of mixing various substances to produce LPFO.
During the arrest, the suspects were caught pouring approximately three drums of crude oil into a carved concrete container at the Kango Company, preparing for the adulteration process.
Additionally, the authorities discovered an apartment used for soap production containing numerous drums and chemicals.
The suspects failed to produce any operational license, indicating that they had been operating illegally and supplying the public with adulterated products.
Commandant Okafor emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the extent of their involvement in the illicit activities. Subsequently, the suspects would face appropriate charges in court.
As the 16th substantive Commandant, Okafor assured that the NSCDC, under his leadership, would diligently pursue its mandate without compromise.
This commitment aims to ensure the effective prosecution of those engaged in illegal practices affecting the public.
