Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has vowed to continue its unyielding battle against vandals and illegal oil trade following the recent arrest of four suspects linked to oil theft.
A statement signed by the corps’ national spokesperson, CSC Babawale Afolabi, said the operation, executed by the commandant -general’s Special Intelligence Squad, led to the interception of two trucks laden with a combined 94,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil.
The statement said in his annual directive, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant -general of the NSCDC, reiterated the corps’ commitment to eradicating oil theft and associated criminal activities.
He was quoted to have said that the NSCDC remained the leading agency in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, emphasising that it would not relent in its efforts to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of this grave economic crime.
LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that the successful operation took place at Akunza Obi local government area in Nassarawa State, following an intelligence tip-off regarding two trailer tankers transporting stolen crude oil.
The statement said acting swiftly, the Special Intelligence Squad intercepted two trucks – a DAF XF Model and a MARK model – both carrying 47,000 litres of stolen crude oil each. The vehicles were found to have counterfeit waybills and fictitious license plates, indicating the illicit nature of their cargo.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the trucks had been loaded at an undisclosed location in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and were en route Jos, Plateau State. The suspects were apprehended before the trucks could reach their destination.
The arrested suspects, identified as Nafiu Aminu (44), Sanni Mohammed (27), Abdullahi Awolu (28), and Babpa Awal (22), are currently assisting the authorities with further investigations. The NSCDC also seized the trucks and counterfeit waybills as evidence.
Dr. Audi commended the efforts of the commandant general’s Special Intelligence Squad led by Commandant Appolos Dandaura, for its diligence and success in the operation.
He further urged the public to continue partnering with the NSCDC by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of other oil thieves.
LEADERSHIP Weekend further gathered that at the conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the federation, serving as a deterrent to others involved in illegal oil activities.
