The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command said it is resolved to end the menace of crude oil theft, illegal dealings on petroleum products and oil pipeline vandalism and has vowed to stop at nothing to rid the state of vandals.
The Anambra State Commandant, NSCDC, Edwin Osuala, stated this in Awka, on Tuesday, shortly after receiving six suspects apprehended by officers of the Nigerian Navy, Onitsha Outpos.
The suspects were handed over to the NSCDC command for further investigation and prosecution in court.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the state Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Okadigbo Edwin, on Tuesday.
The statement read, “On the 03/11/2023, at about 06:00hrs, one Ugwu Donatus ‘m’ aged 57yrs, Chukwudi Eke ‘m’ aged 52yrs and one Nwabueze Daniel ‘m’ aged 30yrs respectively, were arrested along Atani Road, Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State while conveying 70 sack bags of petroleum products, estimated about 3,500 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil in a white Nissan vehicle with registration no: Enugu ENU 391 XX.
“Similarly, on November 7, 2023, at about 13:00hrs, one Chinedu Okafor ‘m’ aged 32yrs, Abu Galaddima ‘m’ aged 42yrs, and Rishamah Abbass ‘m’ aged 29yrs, respectively were arrested within Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA with two white J5 Vans with registration nos: Anambra XA 929 ZBL and Anambra AWK 776 YZ and laden with 100 sack bags of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil estimated to be about 5,000 litres.”
Osuala also disclosed that preliminary investigations carried out suggested that the products loaded at Osssamala Community in Ogbaru LGA were headed to Upper Iweka before their final destination.
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He also explained that one Emeka Emeka who is alleged to be the owner of the products is currently at large, adding that sustained monitoring is in place to arrest him.
The NSCDC command boss said all the arrested suspects are assisting the command with useful information that will help in arresting their accomplices.
He, however, lauded the Navy for the arrest saying that the synergy between the NSCDC and the Navy had yielded many results in the fight against economic crimes in the country.
He said, “I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for assisting the Corps being the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and the eradication of illegal dealings on petroleum products. With the successful handover of these suspects and the exhibits to us, we would immediately launch a credible investigation.
“We are assuring the Navy and members of the public that proper investigation would be carried out on the suspects and any other culprits involved with the case for possible prosecution.
“The handing over of the suspects and the exhibits to the NSCDC is a sign that security agencies operating in Anambra State are united in crime fighting. This synergy is what is needed to wage a full-scale war against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“I want to advise these economic saboteurs to steer clear of Anambra State because we have activated our operational mechanism in all the nooks and crannies of the state to make this place hot for them to operate. They should either look for legitimate business to engage in or turn a new leaf.”
Meanwhile, he warned all perpetrators of oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities to relocate outside the state, as there is no hiding place for them in and around the state.
He advised members of the public to be vigilant and provide the Command with credible information to assist in curbing the activities of criminal elements and economic saboteurs.
