The Abia State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has overrun a local refinery site in Obiakpu, Obuzo-Asa, in Ukwa West local government area arresting four suspected operators and impounding seven vehicles.
Speaking after conducting newsmen round the site, the commandant, Usman Alfadarai said, “the breakthrough followed a 48-hour sustained surveillance mounted by my men within and around the area.”
He restated the commitment of the command to end all forms of vandalism of public infrastructure, illegal dealing in petroleum products and related economic sabotage in the state.
The commandant, who described the site as “axis of illegality and economic sabotage,” assured that such refineries will no longer be allowed to operate under his stewardship.
“We’re here today to fully demonstrate our resolve to take the fight to the door steps of the economic saboteurs,” said Alfadarai, who assumed office barely one week ago.
On the suspects, aged between 17 and 28, the commandant informed that they will be charged to court for prosecution at the conclusion of investigations.
According to him, the operation was in line with the directive of the commandant general of the corps, Ahmed Audi, “who has sworn to leave no stone unturned in pursuing the corps’ mandate.”
Alfadarai, who called on the people to partner the command by providing it with useful information on suspected criminals, assured that such information “will be treated with utmost sense of confidentiality.”
He also solicited the cooperation of traditional rulers in educating their subjects on dangers of tampering with petroleum products line, adding that the consequences are unimaginable.
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