The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) in Anambra state has apprehended and paraded three individuals for oil theft.
The suspects were caught transporting 1,625 litres of adulterated diesel, also referred to as Automotive Gas Oil, in Odekpe in Ogbaru local government area of the state.
The arrested individuals include Okechukwu Okeke (aged 28) from Ojoto, Idemili South LGA; Emeka Chukwuma (aged 34) from Akili-Ozizor, Ogbaru LGA, both in Anambra State; and Ifunanya Ike (aged 29) from Mbano LGA in Imo State.
The arrests took place on Thursday, March 28, 2024, along Atani road.
Parading the suspects at the state Command, the state Commandant, Olatunde Maku Maku disclosed that the suspects were apprehended by the Joint Operating Team of the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the Command, led by ACC Chinenye Chinweze, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.
He revealed that the suspects were transporting the illicit products using two shuttle buses: one white-coloured bus with license plate number Anambra AWK 429 XY, and an ash-colored bus with registration number Anambra GDD 277 XB.
Maku affirmed that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be prosecuted. He emphasized the commitment to intensify efforts against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and petroleum products black market activities in Anambra state.
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The NSCDC chief urged the public to support the command’s renewed determination to eradicate illegal oil refining by providing intelligence on illicit oil bunkering activities in their communities.
He said: “This arrest was made possible in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and preliminary investigation revealed that the illegally refined products were loaded at Ogbakuma and headed to Okoti community, both in the Ogbaru area.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for their support in the fight against criminality in the state. This type of synergy is what is needed to wage a full-scale war against perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“NSCDC as the lead agency in the protection of critical national, state and local government???? assets and infrastructure, is known for its zero-tolerance in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.
“We remain focused in freeing Anambra state of illegal petroleum products racketeering and other related criminalities.”
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