By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A truck driver conveying about 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has been arrested in Anambra State after he allegedly attempted to run over officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state who flagged him down during an intelligence-led operation along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The State Command of the NSCDC also impounded the truck and its contents, saying preliminary investigation revealed discrepancies in the waybill presented by the suspect.
The State Commandant of the Corps, Commandant Maku Olatunde, reportedly disclosed this in Awka while parading the suspect, Mr. Sunday Ukeh, 46, an indigene of Odume in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, at the Command Headquarters in Awka.
According to a statement issued to newsmen on Monday by the Head of Media and Tactical Operations of the Command, SC Okadigbo Edwin, the suspect was arrested following an intelligence-driven operation by the Command’s Anti-Vandalism Squad aimed at combating illegal activities in the petroleum sector.
The spokesman explained that the squad, led by CSC Christian Nwosu, intercepted the truck at Amansea at about 11:00 a.m. on Sunday after receiving intelligence suggesting that it was conveying suspected adulterated petroleum products.
He said rather than comply with the operatives’ directive to stop his vehicle for inspection, the driver allegedly accelerated towards the officers in an attempt to force his way through, nearly running over members of the Anti-Vandalism Squad in the process.
The statement noted that the operatives immediately gave the truck a hot chase and eventually intercepted it at the Military Checkpoint in Amansea, where the suspect also allegedly attempted to physically assault one of the officers before he was overpowered and taken into custody.
According to the NSCDC, further examination of the truck’s documents revealed several inconsistencies in the waybill presented by the suspect, prompting the impoundment of both the truck and the approximately 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated PMS pending the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the incident, Commandant Maku warned members of the public against obstructing or attacking NSCDC personnel while carrying out lawful duties, stressing that the Command would not tolerate any act of lawlessness or assault against its officers.
He maintained that anyone found attacking personnel of the Corps while on legitimate duty would be made to face the full weight of the law, irrespective of status.
The State Commandant also commended members of the Anti-Vandalism Squad for their vigilance, courage and professionalism during the operation, reaffirming the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against economic sabotage and other illegal activities in the petroleum sector across Anambra State.
He assured that investigations into the matter were ongoing and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
