NSCDC Arrests 3 Suspected Oil Thieves In Akwa Ibom

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested three suspected oil thieves and impounded a tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of product suspected to be ethanol alleged to have been acquired illegally in Akwa Ibom state.

The Commandant, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mrs Geraldine Abetianbe, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Uyo, said the feat was achieved through effective surveillance by operatives.

Abetianbe said the arrest and subsequent seizure of the product took place at about 1300hrs by operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence at Ikot Umo Essien, along Aba Road, in Essien Udim local government area of the state.

”On June 23, at about 1300hrs, our operatives acting on credible intelligence intercepted a petroleum tanker at Ikot Umo Essien, along Aba Road, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

”The tanker, with a capacity of 45,000 litres, was laden with a product suspected to be ethanol acquired illegally. Three suspects were arrested at the scene in connection with the act,” she stated.

Abetianbe, explained that the arrest and impounding of the product were predicated on reasonable suspicion of illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products in the state.

She said upon interrogation, the suspects presented a waybill which immediately raised suspicion due to several discrepancies, adding that further investigations and inquiries conducted to confirm the authenticity of the declared point of loading returned negative.

“This confirmed our suspicion that the product was not sourced through legitimate channels. Through synergy, mutual respect, and timely information sharing, we recorded this success,” Abetianbe

The Commandant, however, warned that illegal dealing in petroleum products in the country was not just a crime, but an act of economic sabotage and urged perpetrators to desist forthwith or be prepared to face the full weight of the law when apprehended.

She noted that illegal dealing in petroleum products deprived the government of revenues, endangers lives through adulteration and explosions and undermines national security.

Abetianbe said NSCDC, as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure would not relent in carrying out its lawful mandate.

“We shall continue to go after vandals, illegal bunkerers, product adulterators, and all those who engage in diversion and illegal transportation of petroleum products,”she added.