The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has apprehended four suspects in connection with an illegal petroleum refinery and sale of adulterated petroleum in Sabon-Wuse, Tafa LGA of Niger state.
According to the spokesman of the command, Nasiru D. Abdullahi, the oil refinery was uncovered by the Anti-Vandal Squad of the command where dozens of drums of adulterated petroleum products have been sold to motorists.
Reports say, the suspects have been identified as Abdullahi Musa (45) from Jigawa State, Hussein Sulaiman (25) from Nasarawa State, Murtala Mohammed (37) and Mohammed Sanusi (35) both from Kano State.
It was gathered that during interrogation, the suspects could not make available any license of operation. It was also revealed that the state commandant of the corps in Niger State, Joachin Okafor, had directed an unwavering war against all acts of vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
“Based on the available intelligence, our Antivandal Squad swung into action and four suspects operating an oil dump site were arrested. On the site, we met their production gadgets and materials used for mixing Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).
“From the confessional statements volunteered by the suspects; they confirmed that they operated an oil dump site where LPFO popularly known as Black oil is being adulterated by mixing condemned oil, crude oil and premium motor spirit to finally produce LPFO.” The statement added.
Reports indicate that on the day of the arrest, the suspects were in the process of mixing three drums of crude oil using a concrete container.
Further findings by the corps disclosed that many innocent vehicle owners had purchased the adulterated product which could impact negatively on their vehicle engines.
