By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested two suspects over their alleged involvement in the illegal dealing and transportation of adulterated petroleum products, as part of its sustained crackdown on economic sabotage in the oil and gas sector.
The Command also impounded a truck conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel, during the operation carried out in Onitsha.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Media and Tactical Operations of the NSCDC in Anambra State, SC Edwin Okadigbo, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad.
The statement identified the suspects as Mr. Jonas Nwokpoko, 52, from Izza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and Chinweze Iloh, 28, from Omor in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The NSCDC spokesman disclosed that the suspects were apprehended at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, along Boromeu Road near Limca Road, Onitsha, while conveying about 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated diesel in a truck.
He said while parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Awka, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde, announced that the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal petroleum dealings and other forms of economic sabotage.
According to him, preliminary investigation linked the suspects to a syndicate allegedly involved in the distribution of adulterated petroleum products.
He explained that the truck was intercepted during a routine inspection by NSCDC operatives, who requested documents authorising the purchase, sale and transportation of petroleum products in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The Commandant said the suspects allegedly failed to produce the required licences and other relevant documents, leading to their arrest and the impoundment of the truck for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable under Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Olatunde warned individuals engaged in petroleum-related crimes to desist, stressing that the activities of oil vandals and dealers in adulterated petroleum products constitute economic sabotage capable of undermining the nation’s economy and endangering public safety.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Corps to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, adding that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to combat criminal activities within the oil and gas sector.
According to the NSCDC boss, investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ alleged activities, identify other members of the syndicate and ensure that everyone connected with the case is brought to justice.
The statement added that the NSCDC, Anambra State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Olatunde, remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through proactive crime prevention strategies and sustained collaboration with other security agencies.
The Corps also appreciated the continued support of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi; Governor Chukwuma Soludo; and members of the public in strengthening efforts to combat crime across the state.
The Command further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information that would assist security agencies in tackling economic crimes and other criminal activities.
