Petroleum industry regulators, under the aegis of the Natural Oil and Gas Supplier Association (NOGASA), have commended operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, for their ongoing war against oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and bunkerers in the state.
LEADERSHIP checks revealed that operatives of the Command recently busted a syndicate specialising in various oil sector frauds and arrested no fewer than six suspects who disguised as a Joint Security Task Force (JTF) to perpetrate their illegal act and impounded 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel.
The suspects were arrested along the Calabar-Itu Highway on Monday, 29th January 2024, by operatives of the Anti-Vandal Squad (AVS) following a tip-off.
Following this, the state Chairman of NOGASA, Mr. Sam Osung, in an interview on Thursday in Uyo, the state capital, commended the NSCDC operatives for their gallantry and pledged to collaborate with the agency to end the menace of oil thieves in the state.
He said, “Sequel to the news of the arrest and detention of a few members of the syndicate infiltrating Akwa Ibom State with adulterated petroleum products and as well as other illicit vices in the petroleum industry, we commend the uncompromising disposition of the NSCDC and their gallant operations that led to the apprehension of the perpetrators.
“It is surprising the extent the suspected syndicate can go by way of impersonating the security JTF, just to mislead and see the successful smuggling of illegally procured petroleum products into Akwa Ibom State.
“As critical stakeholders in the downstream supply and distribution chain, we commend the efforts of the NSCDC and implore other relevant agencies to save the state from this menace by apprehending concerned individuals in this endemic conduct.
“We will always partner with the NSCDC and other relevant agencies to stop this menace as their inhuman act reflects poorly on our integrity as legitimate dealers in the petroleum industry.
“Members of the public are interested in seeing the conclusion and possible prosecution of the perpetrators if eventually found culpable. It’s our belief that with intentionality and proficient efforts of the NSCDC, the industry will be rid of all unwholesome practices and illicit vices in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.”
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