The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), announced the arrest of 15 individuals and the impoundment of seven trucks carrying 315,000 litres of substance thought to be illegally obtained petroleum products in Akwa Ibom State.
Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade, State Commandant of the NSCDC, stated this in Uyo, saying the suspects were apprehended on the Calabar-Itu route on July 7 based on solid intelligence.
He said: “Our newly rejigged Anti-Vandal Squad has arrested 15 suspects for suspected criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.
“We have impounded seven trucks with a combined capacity of 315,000 litres of illegally acquired petroleum products.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine if the product is crude oil or High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) as claimed by the suspects.
“Samples of the products have been obtained and would be taken for forensic analysis at an NNPC laboratory, after which the suspects will be charged to court.
“From preliminary investigations, the waybills presented showed an expired licence to deal in petroleum products.”
The commander cautioned that the corps would not allow any type of criminality, economic sabotage, or vandalism of government essential infrastructure in the state, and that anyone found would face the full force of the law.
