The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested two men for alleged criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products, while impounding a truck loaded with about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this on Thursday while parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Awka, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against economic sabotage in the oil and gas sector.
The suspects were identified as 52-year-old Jonas Nwokpoko from Izzi South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and 28-year-old Chinweze Iloh from Omor in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to Olatunde, the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, July 22, during an intelligence-led operation carried out by the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad.
He said the operatives intercepted the suspects at about 2:30 p.m. along Boromeu Road, near Limca Road, Onitsha, while they were transporting approximately 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated diesel in a truck.
Preliminary investigations, he said, revealed that the suspects were allegedly linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the distribution of adulterated petroleum products.
Olatunde explained that the truck was stopped for a routine inspection, during which the suspects failed to produce valid licences and other documents authorising the purchase, transportation and sale of petroleum products as required under the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The inability of the suspects to produce the necessary documents led to their arrest and the impoundment of the truck for illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable under Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act,” he said.
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The Commandant described the activities of petroleum vandals and dealers in adulterated products as acts of economic sabotage, warning that the Command would continue to intensify its crackdown on offenders.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and tackling the illegal production, distribution and transportation of adulterated petroleum products across the state.
Olatunde added that investigations were ongoing to establish the full scope of the suspects’ activities, identify other members of the alleged syndicate and ensure that all those connected to the operation are brought to justice.
He also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid efforts to combat crime and improve public safety in Anambra State.
