The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has apprehended three suspected oil thieves who were transporting 1,625 litres of contaminated diesel, commonly known as Automotive Gas Oil, in Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area, the state.
Olatunde Maku, the state Commandant of the NSCDC, paraded the suspects on Friday, March 29, 2024, vowing to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and petroleum products black market racketeering in the state.
Maku stated that the operation was carried out by a joint operative team of the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the command, led by ACC Chinenye Chinweze, and the Nigerian Navy.
“The three suspects: Okechukwu Okeke ‘m’ aged 28 from Ojoto, Idemili South LGA, Emeka Chukwuma ‘m’ aged 34 from Akili-Ozizor, Ogbaru LGA both in Anambra State and Ifunanya Ike ‘m’ aged 29 of Mbano LGA of Imo State, respectively were arrested on Thursday, March 28, along Atani Road in Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA,” he said.
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“They were conveying 65 kegs of 25 litres each of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil estimated to be about 1,625 litres in two shuttle buses, one a white coloured bus with number plate Anambra AWK 429 XY and an ash coloured bus with registration number Anambra GDD277XB.
“Preliminary investigation carried out revealed the illegally refined products were loaded at Ogbakuma Community and headed for Okoti Community both in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra.”
The commandant pledged to use the current connection to eliminate illegal oil bunkering in the state, which he termed as a threat to the country’s economy and added that the arrest was made possible by the joint efforts of the NSCDC and the Nigerian Navy.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for their support in the fight against criminality in the state. This type of synergy is what is needed to wage a full-scale war against perpetrators of the heinous crime,” he said.
“NSCDC, as the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, as well as the prosecuting agency, is known for its zero-tolerance in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.
“We remain focused on freeing Anambra State of illegal petroleum products racketeering and other related criminalities.”